Since Ulster bank used Irish Wolfhound in their coat of arms. did Ulster consider wolfhound as national animal

Question

Since Ulster bank used Irish Wolfhound in their coat of arms. did Ulster consider wolfhound as national animal

Answer 1

As you most likely know, the symbol of Ulster is the Red Hand which is an ancient Hearaldic symbol that has come to be associated with extreme Unionism (for example, The Red Hand Commandos) but is in fact relativley neutral and used by both communities in Northern Ireland and by the nine counties of Ulster for a provincial flag which is often combined with Leinster's, Connaught's and Munster's.

But I digress, I cannot find any references to the wolfhound as a symbol of Ulster but I have a theory that its use by Ulster Bank may have something to do with the Ulster Cycle of stories and in particular with Cuchulainn.

The story goes that Cuchulainn was born with the name Setanta and as a child was sent by his mother to live with a powerful king called Cullen.  On the way he got got up in a hurling match and for some reason (which I cannot remember -sorry!) killed Cullen's great hound with his sliothar (ball).  Cullen was pretty annoyed as this hound was so ferocious that it was invaluable to the protection of Ulster.  Setanta, recognised as a potentially great warrior-owing to the fact that he managed to kill this hound with only a ball and stick was commanded to take the hound's place.  His name was changed to Cuchulainn which means Cullen's hound.

So you see-the hound has a long association with Ulster whether it be official or not!!  Sorry if you alrteady know the story of Cuchulainn!!  I think my theory makes sense!!