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The Irish family crest is a heraldic fashion utilized by individuals of a family to express their great pride in their clan and family heritage. Coats of arms were part of Norman and northern European tradition and did not become prominent among Irish families until after to the English invasion of Ireland in the 12th century. Family crests are comparable to modern day gang colors and showed you were part of a particular clan or region. They were also employed in war to tell family and friends from enemies, to act as a rallying point and a symbol of what they were battling for.
The coat of arms was usually placed on a tunic or on the chest of a suit of armor. It also was carried and shown on flags and pendants. In warfare it was often painted onto a warriors shield. These coats of arms were rich in symbolism and meaning and commonly showed ties between families. Three reoccurring symbols found on Irish family crests are the red hand, the stag walking, and the wild boar.
Although its beginnings go all the way back to pagan times "The Red Hand of Ulster" in Gaelic L'mh Dhearg Uladh, is in most cases linked to the O'Neil clan and is sometimes referred to as the "Hand of O'Neil ". The O'Neal's are one of the most ancient families in Ireland and claim ancestry to a grandson of Niall Glun Dubh a 10th century King of Ireland and through him to Niall of the Nine Hostages, a legendary 4th century high king. It was utilized by the O'Neils in the nine year war and their battle cry was "L'mh Dhearg Ab!" meaning "red hand to victory." Its earliest use on a coat of arms goes back to 1243 when Walter de Burgh became Earl of Ulster and added it to his family crest. It may also be observed on the flag of Northern Ireland together with the shields of counties Cavan, Tyrone, Londonderry, Antrim and Monaghan. Other families that use the red hand on their crest are Branagan, Brennan, Byrne, Cullen, Daly, Daugherty, Fox, Guinness, McNeil, Neal or O'Neal, Riley, Reilly or O'Reilly.
The stepping stag is a symbol of stable political strength and is most commonly linked to the McCarthy clan. The McCarthy's were one of the most important families of southern Ireland and trace their ancestry to Carthach, an 11th century E'ganacht Chaisil king and contemporary of Brian Boru High King of Ireland. His son Muireadhach styled himself Mac Cartaigh meaning son of Carthach and his sons put into practice the surname Mac Carthy. The Mac Carthy's were allied to a number of families of southern Ireland and fought regularly with their Norman neighbors the Fitzgerald's and Butler's. Among the other families which feature the stepping stag are Daugherty, Green, McConnell or O'Connell and Rogers.
The wild boar is a symbol of steadfastness, bravery and courage and a determination to battle to the death. As opposed to the boars head which signifies hospitality. The Sullivan's or O'Sulliavan's, Gaelic Ua S'ileabh'in, are another ancient Irish clan. Their crest features two wild boars on a black and white quartered field. The O'Sullivan center of influence was in County Tipperary but they were also numerous in Cork and Munster. They are decent from Fedelmid mac Crimthainn a 9th century King of Munster. Other families that utilize the wild boar symbol are Cassidy, McCann, and Sweeny.
The symbols of Irish heraldry are very plentiful including wild and mythical beasts, weapons, and heraldic emblems; these are just a handful which is usually distinctly Irish. For people with Irish ancestors there are a number good publications available that will assist an armature genealogist investigate their family crest.
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Source by Wm M Martin