Gerard Slevin
Encyclopedia
Gerard Slevin was born in Cork
, Ireland
. Slevin was assistant to Edward McLysaght, the Chief Herald of Ireland, from 1944 to 1954, at which time he succeeded McLysaght. He held this position for 27 years until he retired in 1981.
During his time as Chief Herald, Slevin inaugurated a genealogy advisory service, to assist in requests for help from people of Irish ancestry.
Slevin was also heavily involved in the design of the European flag
, a circle of 12 golden stars on a deep blue background, and in recognition of this was made a member of the Académie Internationale d'Héraldique
. His exact role in the design is uncertain (and may continue to remain so). According to some sources (such as archivist and biographer Dr. Susan Hood) he was the actual designer of the flag; others (such as Tom McCarthy
, president of the Genealogical Society of Ireland
) suggest a more peripheral role. The story that the flag's design was solely that of Slevin continues, however.
Cork (city)
Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the island of Ireland's third most populous city. It is the principal city and administrative centre of County Cork and the largest city in the province of Munster. Cork has a population of 119,418, while the addition of the suburban...
, Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
. Slevin was assistant to Edward McLysaght, the Chief Herald of Ireland, from 1944 to 1954, at which time he succeeded McLysaght. He held this position for 27 years until he retired in 1981.
During his time as Chief Herald, Slevin inaugurated a genealogy advisory service, to assist in requests for help from people of Irish ancestry.
Slevin was also heavily involved in the design of the European flag
European flag
The flag of Europe consists of a circle of 12 golden stars on an azure background. It is the flag and emblem of the European Union and Council of Europe . It is also often used to indicate eurozone countries, and, more loosely, to represent the continent of Europe or the countries of Europe...
, a circle of 12 golden stars on a deep blue background, and in recognition of this was made a member of the Académie Internationale d'Héraldique
Académie Internationale d'Héraldique
L'Académie Internationale d'Héraldique is a prestigious body that was founded in Paris in 1949 to bring together experts in heraldry representing the various areas of the world. Admission is by election, and the number of active academicians is limited to 75. There is no limit to the number of...
. His exact role in the design is uncertain (and may continue to remain so). According to some sources (such as archivist and biographer Dr. Susan Hood) he was the actual designer of the flag; others (such as Tom McCarthy
Tom McCarthy
Tom McCarthy can refer to :*Tom McCarthy , ice hockey player in the NHL*Tom McCarthy , ice hockey player in the NHL*Tom McCarthy Tom McCarthy can refer to :*Tom McCarthy (ice hockey), ice hockey player in the NHL*Tom McCarthy (ice hockey b. 1960), ice hockey player in the NHL*Tom McCarthy Tom...
, president of the Genealogical Society of Ireland
Genealogical Society of Ireland
Genealogical Society of Ireland is a voluntary non-governmental organisation promoting the study of genealogy, heraldry, vexillology and social history in Ireland and amongst the Irish Diaspora as open access educational leisure pursuits available to all...
) suggest a more peripheral role. The story that the flag's design was solely that of Slevin continues, however.