Quote Originally Posted by michael steinrok
Good stuff. We're just trying to date the kilt and precedence in regards to the origin of the "saffron kilt". I mistakenly believed that it was a british "bone to the Irish". Infact it was an Irish creation of the early 20th century as noted by Moosehead. It certainly changes my fenian predispositon to it. So being that it predates british military use my reservations have been removed about the saffron kilt, though the color is still ugly to me. Saffron to me should have a curry note to it.
Yes, I know you're trying to date the origin of the saffron kilt, hence my citation from Harris's book regarding uniforms.

I would say that it was only an Irish "Nationalist" creation, though, Michael. Given the evidence, by the First World War, the Irish Regiments of the British Army were looking for more "Irish" traditions, which included creating the Irish Pipers outfit. In fact, The photos I have seen of Ceannt and The O'Rahilly in kilts, they are wearing dark green solid kilts, and not saffron.

In other words, I don't think Pearse can claim the sole credit for the saffron kilt.

T.