Wednesday, 7 November 2012

O'Neill Arms


Arms: Per fess wavy the chief Argent the base representing waves of the sea in chief a Dexter Hand couped at the wrist Gules in base a Salmon naiant proper.
 

Crest: An Arm in Armour embowed the Hand grasping a Sword all proper
 

Supporters: On either side a Lion, Gules, armed and langued, Azure, gorged with an Eastern Crown and chained, Or.
 

Motto: Lam dearg Eirin


The armorial bearings of 1st and last Earl O'Neill (1779-1841), as displayed on a sign outside the Thatch Inn, Broughshane, County Antrim.

I passed through the village yesterday, 6th November.

The crest is not shown; though the coronet is that of an earl.

Perhaps artistic licence has allowed the lions to be painted gold, rather than red (gules). The crowns and chains are painted black, as opposed to gold (or).

The O'Neill motto translates as The Red Hand of Ireland.

1 comment:

  1. that's extrordinary the Red Hand is of Ulster ..the spelling is even more mystifying the salmon equally interesting where did it swim in from? The Boyne-laden with knowledge--doubtful)

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