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From: "rlivingston1488" <>
Subject: Re: [DNA] Colla vs Dalriata
Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2006 16:02:15 -0800
References: <246D483A-8508-4377-85EB-A41D3923CB5C@mac.com>


Pat asked,

> If this modal
> can't be associated with the Collas or Dal Riada, then what historic
> or prehistoric ethnic/cultural group should we be exploring?

First, let me say that I have few doubts that the Scots Modal group is
anybody other than the Dal Riata. That said, if pushed to explore other
tribes, I think it is reasonalbe to look at the Cruithne (often refered to
as Picts) and their supposed cousins, the Dal Araidhe of Northeastern
Ireland. Both are said to have an ancient common ancestor named "Ir".

From the Annals of the Four Masters, in the year 665 AD,
"Maelcaeich, son of Scannal, chief of the Cruithne of Dal Araidhe (Ireland)
of the race of Ir, died."

The Cruithne, pronounced "cree-nee" or "croo-nee", are probably the tribes
that Ptolemy called the "Cerones" and/or the "Caereni". In the 2nd century
he places them north and east of the "Epidi" of the Epidium Promitory (the
penninsula of Kintyre). The area to the east of Oban (central Argyll) was
referenced as "the country of the Cruithne", in the 12th century legendary
tale of "The Cattle Raid of Cooley", that is said to have taken place about
500 BC. Adjacent to Oban, is present-day "Glenn Cruittein", "Glen of the
Cruithne". So present-day place names still reflect the identity of the
peoples who used to live there in ancient times.

The Dal Araidhe undoubtedly came over to Scotland in considerable numbers as
chuchmen who established monasteries throughout Argyll and points north. In
so doing, they gained footholds as powerful and wealthy hereditary abbots,
just as the O'Niall did with St. Columba and his followers.

Rob

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