The reference to the four fields is shown once more on this stamp. In each of the four corners of the stamp are the codes of arms of each of the four provinces of Ireland:
In the upper left hand corner is a single crown, representing the province of Leinster[1]. In this instance, the creator chose to represent the Leinster code of arms as a single crown rather than a harp, perhaps due to a harp previously being represented as being attached to all of Ireland, rather than just one province taking ownership.
In the upper right hand corner is a conjoined eagle and an arm holding a sword, representing the province of Connaught[2]. The black eagle is the symbol for the Browns, tone of the “tribes” of Galway at that time. Therefore, the arm and the sword represent the O’Connors, the last ruling family of the province before the Normans invaded. According to local myth, the eagle and the sword represent the unity that occurred in the 17th century between the Gaels of the region and the Norman invaders.
In the lower left hand corner is a hand, which is usually shown in red, representing the province of Ulster[3]. According to the pagan myth, the King of Ulster had no heir to the throne, creating an issue regarding succession. In order to solve this issue, the king declared that whoever reached the shore first would have rightful claim to the throne. One of the competitors resorted to cutting off his hand off and threw it into the surf in hopes that it would reach the shore first[4].
Lastly, in the lower right hand corner there are three crowns in a cluster, representing Munster[5]. One theory as to why the ancient symbol for Munster is a depiction of three crowns is that each individual crown represents the three most prominent and important landlords during the medieval era: the O’Briens, the Butlers, and the Fitzgeralds.
By representing all four of the provinces together, the implied idea is that Ireland, as a nation, should be unified.
[1] “1908-16 Sinn Féin Propaganda Labels.” 1908-16 Sinn Féin Propaganda Labels. N.p., n.d. Web. http://www.rarebooks.nd.edu/digital/stamps/irish/set4L/set4L.html
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] “O’Neill Genealogical Project,” The Red Hand of O’Neill, http://oneillclans.com/12-history/miscellaneous/93-the-red-hand-of-oneill.html
[5] “1908-16 Sinn Féin Propaganda Labels.” 1908-16 Sinn Féin Propaganda Labels. N.p., n.d. Web. http://www.rarebooks.nd.edu/digital/stamps/irish/set4L/set4L.html