History of Claddagh rings, Spanish Version- Were the first Irish Claddagh rings a symbol of unity between the Irish and the Spanish ?

This legend explaining the history of Claddagh rings is thought to be much more legend than fact, but interesting none the less.  This story, or as some one have it, this fable, tells of Irish Claddagh rings being first given as a sign of unity between the Irish and the Spanish. 

A History of Claddagh rings with Spanish flavor.

In the time that Queen Elizabeth ruled England, King Philip of Spain had brought together an armada of ships in hope of conquering England.  Many of these ships, though, were blown off course by a storm and found themselves off the coast of Ireland near the shores of Galway, near Claddagh.  Many of these Spanish sailors made their way into the village of Claddagh, located in the county of Galway, bringing with them Spanish gold.  And as this somewhat questionable history of Claddagh rings would have it, the Spanish with the help of village craftsmen, created the Claddagh rings as a symbol of friendship for the people of Claddagh.  The ring was thus made of Spanish gold, with the crown on top representing the Spanish monarchy, the hands symbolizing the friendship between the Irish and the Spanish, and the heart represented the hearts of the Irish lasses, whom the Spanish sought on the village of Claddagh and throughout the county of Galway. 

As long as they are called Irish Claddagh rings, then this story will never be given much credence.  Spanish Claddagh rings just doesn't quite have much of a ring to it.