Claddagh rings recovered from Ground Zero highlight Irish American ties in 9/11 tragedy

The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, when four planes were hijacked and nearly 3,000 lives were lost, resonated deeply in Ireland, a country that shared a profound connection with many of the victims.

Among the NYPD and FDNY first responders who worked so heroically, many had Irish lineage. Out of the close to 3,000 individuals who perished, about 1,000 had links to Ireland.

The strong Irish American ties among those who died are evident from the numerous Irish surnames inscribed on the memorial fountains at the World Trade Center site. This connection was further highlighted by the discovery of 200 Claddagh rings amidst the ruins.

• The Irish American firefighter who died in 9/11 and inspired the location of Ireland's Twin Towers memorial

• The New York Irish pub that became a hub for first responders after 9/11

In the aftermath of the catastrophe, Brian Cowen, who was then serving as Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs, made his way to Ground Zero. A 2001 report from The Irish Times recounted how he informed New York's Governor George Pataki that he had been approached by the parents of a firefighter who was unaccounted for, asking if a Claddagh ring had been located amongst the debris.

These parents clung to the hope that their son could be identified by the ring. However, when Cowen posed the question to the NYPD chief, the response was heart-wrenching: "Minister, we have found 200 Claddagh rings."

Originating around 1700 and crafted by Galway jeweler Richard Joyce, the Claddagh ring, with its distinctive design of two hands holding a crowned heart, stands as a symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship.

The rings are a beloved symbol among the Irish and diaspora globally, cherished for maintaining a connection to their lineage. Pataki, with Irish blood from his grandmother's side, noted upon finding the jewelry amidst Ground Zero's ruins, "the loss suffered here and in Ireland".

In moments of deep sadness and ruin, such as during the frantic rescue efforts, the essence captured by these rings shone through; New York's first responders and the community at large displayed unity, driven by love, commitment, and fellowship.

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