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What's the symbolism behing the crest?

The easiest way to explain is to break the crest down into its components.

Colour:: Green means hope or loyalty in love, it's also the recognised colour for revolution/resistence. Gold means gemerosity. White means peace or sincerity and red means warrior, martyr or military strength.

Shield:: The shield is a Chief Shield and is quite basic in design, with just a horizontal line spanning its width. The Chief shield means authority, dominion, wisdom and achievement in battle.

  Chief Shield

The Lion:: The lion means fierce courage. Normally in Ireland the Lion represented the 'lion' season, prior to the full arrival of Summer. The lion can also represent a great Warrior or Chief.

  The Lion

The boar:: The boar is one of the most popular beasts and represents a fierce fighter or someone who fights to the death. The meat of the boar was considered to be food of the Celtic Gods. The symbol of the boar was worn in battle as a charm against injury.

  The Boar

The Deer or Stag:: The deer or stag was one of the most ancient of charges and was regarded as the most handsome. The Stag represents the very ancestors of the Celtic race.

  The Stag or Deer

The Red Hand:: The red hand is called the mark of a Baronet. It is commonly used as the symbol of Ulster.

  The Red Hand

The helmet:: The helmet signifies wise defence.

  The Helmet

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