Here begins the petition for Kevin Day to wear a Claddagh ring:
"The Claddagh ring, a ring depicting two hands holding a heart with a royal crown, is a popular Irish symbol. The Claddagh is typically passed down within a family. A person begins by wearing the ring with the heart facing outward on their right ring finger. If they enter a serious relationship and are not available to other suitors, they turn the ring around so it faces their body, signifying their commitment.
Once engaged, the ring is placed facing outward on the left ring finger. On the wedding day, and usually during the ceremony, the couple turns the ring around on that finger to signify their lifelong commitment."
Legend has it that shortly before he was due to be married, a fisherman Richard Joyce was captured at sea by pirates and sold into slavery in Algeria.
He became the property of a rich Moorish goldsmith, who sensing his potential began to train him in his craft. In time Richard Joyce became a fully proficient master craftsman and with thoughts of the girl he had left behind close to his heart, he fashioned the first Claddagh Ring. The heart symbolizing love, the pair of hands representing friendship and the crown for loyalty and fidelity.
In 1689 after an agreement with King William III to release all his subjects held in slavery, Richard Joyce found himself once more a free man.
His master, who had by now grown very fond of him offered his only daughter in marriage and half his wealth, if he would remain in Algiers, but Joyce declined and returned home to Galway.
There he found that his sweetheart had waited for his return, and presenting her with the Claddagh Ring they were married.
...
I need my Irish boy with his Irish jewelry, and all the speculation about who will manage to turn the ring on his finger...
