Hi Michael,
Please forgive my delay in responding, and I wanted to thank you so much for posting this FANTASTIC!!! article. This is absolutely superb information, and you do indeed know my weakness for these swords.
Actually contrary to popular belief, the Scots and Irish were far closer together than realized and there was considerable movement back and forth with the folks. For some reason it seems the Irish swords are far more esoteric and less publicized than the Scottish. The so called 'Celtic cross' is indeed well known on tombstones in Ireland and in the Scottish isles, and as noted similar swords in degree are often seen on numbers of tombs as well in sculptured image.
I truly appreciate you posting this article and it will prove most helpful to those of us in pursuing further study on these wonderfully historic swords.
Very nicely done!!
All the best,
Jim