Fionnghuala Ruadh inghean Ui Choncobhair

Photo
Eldern Hills Samhain October 2022 Photo by Villana Palazolo
Information
Registered Name: Fionnghuala Ruadh inghean Ui Chonchobhair Resides: Eldern Hills Status: Active Joined SCA: 1986
Order of Precedence
Fionnghula inghean Ceallaigh
Heraldry
Per chevron Or and argent, a chevron sable between two greyhounds combatant azure and an open book gules.

Her Excellency, Baroness Fionnghuala Ruadh inghean Ui Choncobhair

Previously Known As: I have also gone by Alex for many years when I first joined the SCA. Most folks call me Fionn for short now.
Nickname(s): Fionn
Pronouns: She/Her

Offices:

• Local Offices Held
  • Hospitaler, Barony of the Eldern Hills, 2012 - 2013
  • Seneschal, Barony of the Eldern Hills, 2017 - 2019
  • Baroness, Barony of the Eldern Hills, October 2021 - Present

Persona History:

My name is Fionnghuala Ruadh inghean Ui Choncobhair and this is my story.

I grew up in Cill Maolchiadair (Kilmalkedar) in the County of Kerry on the Dingle Peninsula (go ahead, make your joke here! I know you can’t help it!), in the year 1325. I was the eldest child and only daughter. My mother died giving birth to my youngest brother when I was but 5 years old. I then raised my two younger brothers as the woman of the house.

My father was one of the better horse breeders in our village. He and I traveled to coastal villages to trade once the boys were old enough. Of his three children, I alone showed any interest in the family horse business.

One day in late July, when I was just 16 years old, he and I were on our way to An Daingean to trade a few of our finest colts and fillies. We were two days from the farm when we were attacked. My father, not being a young man, was soon overpowered and killed. I battled as hard as I could, but was soon trussed up and sat upon one of our colts. I was then taken to a ship. I don’t remember much about the sea journey.

My next memory is of being awakened and brought on deck, soon to be taken to land. As soon as I was able I struggled free and jumped from the ship. I quickly swam to a second ship, begging for shelter and mercy from the ship’s captain.

This captain was Lord Gunnar haukr-the man I would later call my Da. However, he did not tolerate women on his ships. But, with my red hair and fiery temper, I reminded him of his wife, so he took pity on me.

So, instead of kicking me off his ship and off his nerves, I was given to his wife to be raised as a lady. Lady Muireen inghean Chonaill broached no fools and as I would later learn, ALL her daughters would be ladies…whether we willed it or no.

The years passed, as they tend to do. I now had more sisters and brothers. It seemed that Da’s ideas of great treasures were children-either his own or the ones he would bring home to Maitre to raise. Some of us were a true handful. I’m sure that Maitre had her doubts about us making it to adulthood.

In time, Da and Maitre made the decision that I was to wed. To this end, Da started searching for a suitable husband for me. But, whether raised a lady or no, I had my own ideas for the man I would finally settle down with. Of course, I made a “few” mistakes. I should never doubt my parents!

In his travels, Da made several trips to the land of Scotland. There he adopted yet another brother for us, Robert. On one such trip, he met a German mercenary, Lord Daniel Schade. Da felt that this man would be able to tame his “wayward” daughter.

It took several years for me to feel the same way. Da would bring this man to our village as often as possible. He would then charge me with seeing to his comfort. Soon, I found myself looking forward to his visits for he was like no other. Four years later, I found myself boarding another ship bound for my new husband’s homeland-to make a home and family of my own!

Over the years, my lord and I have traveled and adopted many family of our own. We have one son, Lord Guy Trenchmere, who is soon to be grown and on his own. We have grown to love our family and friends of the Barony of the Eldern Hills and have made our home here.

Interests:

• Kumihumo Weaving (with a focus on baronial and kingdom award insignia)
• Pyrography

Gallery of Works:

• Woodworking Projects
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Timeline of Activity:

Prior Groups:

• Barony of the Flaming Gryphon, Middle Kingdom, from 1991-1993

Populace Provided Information:

Portrait by Master William Blackfox

Areas of Service

Fundraising

Has hosted and/or contributed to fundraising for SCA causes and participants:

• Samhain 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2018, 2019
• Fiber Arts Symposium 2016
• Myrgenfeld Collegium 2018

Entourage

Has supported the Kingdom and local groups serving as Entourage:

• Jason & Margarita I
• Jason & Margarita II
• Miguel & Conal III
• Lochlan & Gwen III
• Lochlan & Michele
• Vlad & Margaret

Special Event Hosting / Event Stewarding

• Organized and served a soup lunch for Sable Soldier II

Service and Support Through the Arts

• Regular contributor to Kingdom level gift baskets, creating multiple customized heraldic wood burned and painted boxes for visiting Kingdoms at Ansteorra 40th Year and for Ansteorra to gift at Gulf Wars.
• Regular contributor to local gift and champion baskets, creating personalized heraldic wood burned and painted boxes.
• Has woven and donated multiple award insignia for Kingdom and Baronial level awards.
• Participated in local Heraldic Banner making project.

Notable Contributions or Accomplishments:

• Site Herald in Charge, Ansteorra 40th Year.

Non-Armigerous Awards and Recognitions:

• Gilded Gurnch of the Eldern Hills

Affiliations:

• Married to Daniel Schade.