He merged the family arms (heraldry) of the ancient Anglo-Norman and Hiberno-Norman noble dynasty, the House of Burgh (which was a red cross on a yellow background) with that of the Red Hand of Ulster of the Irish over-kingdom of Ulaid, which the earldom encompassed.

The counties of Antrim, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone all use a right red hand in their coats of arms.

[6] One interpretation of the colours gold,[7] red,[8] and white is certified by the British Flag Institute, in agreement with Vexillology Ireland.

The background was changed to white with the shield behind the hand being replaced to a six pointed star to symbolise the six counties of Ulster that made up Northern Ireland with a crown on top to symbolise loyalty to the United Kingdom.

[16] However officially, the Irish Rugby Football Union use their own neutral flag which contains symbols of the four provinces of Ireland including Ulster.

[24] It also features in the Four Provinces Flag used by a number of other sporting organisations that operate on an all-Ireland basis.