“To Chance Your Arm”

Dan and Sharon Buttry were visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin when they stumbled on an old story of a transforming initiative.  In one of the side alcoves of the cathedral were a series of displays including a door with a hole cut in it.  A closer look revealed an old story of note for peacemakers.

Two clans were fighting in the streets of the medieval city:  The Fitzgeralds and the Butlers.  The Butlers were on the losing end, so they fled to the Cathedral Chapter House for Sanctuary.  Gerald Fitzgerald, the head of his clan, proposed a truce to the Butlers, guaranteeing them safe passage out of Dublin.  The Butlers refused.

So Gerald Fitzgerald ordered that a hole be cut in the door, something that initially must have been highly distressing for those seeking sanctuary inside.  But then Fitzgerald thrust his hand through the opening.  He called out that the Butlers had a choice, to cut it offer or to give a handshake of peace.  The Butlers accept this risky transforming initiative and shook Fitzgerald’s hand.  The two families became friends from that point on.  This bold move by Gerald Fitzgerald brought the phrase “to chance your arm” into the Irish language.