Fionnghuala Ruadh inghean Ui Choncobhair

Photo
At her October 2009 Wedding
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.

Honorable Lady Fionnghuala Ruadh inghean Ui Choncobhair

Prior Names: I have also gone by Alex for many years when I first joined the SCA. Most folks call me Fionn for short now.

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

Notable Contributions or Accomplishments:

• Donations of woven award insignia
• Heraldic Banner making for local populace
• Helped with crafting of ceramic feast-gear set for Baronial Champions
• Created wood-burned boxes for inter-kingdom gifts and multiple auctions and donations, including the Royal Basket for Calontir at Ansteorra 40th Year.
• Site Herald in Charge, Ansteorra 40th Year.

Non-Armigerous Awards and Recognitions

• Gilded Gurnch of the Eldern Hills

Affiliations:

• Married to Daniel Schade.