Ulster Flag or the Flag of Northern Ireland - stock photo

The Ulster Banner, also known informally as the Ulster Flag or the Flag of Northern Ireland, is a heraldic banner derived from the historical coat of arms of Northern Ireland. This flag features a red cross on a white background, topped with a crowned six-pointed star at its center, which contains a red hand. It served as the official flag of the former Government of Northern Ireland and was widely recognized as the flag of Northern Ireland from 1953 until the government was dissolved in 1973 with the enactment of the Northern Ireland Constitution Act 1973. Despite its official status being retired, it is still used to represent Northern Ireland in some sporting events in which it competes.