The Coat of Arms, Motto and Plant Badge
The Coat of Arms of the O’Tierney Clan is; “Argent a chevron sable, a chief gules with a crest, an oak tree proper.”
The crest is of an Oak Tree above the shield. The gules/red chief across the top of the shield is usually a third of the shield area. The colour gules/red can denote warrior or martyr: military strength or magnanimity. The sable/black chevron is said to be derived from the bow shaped war saddle or a bridge. The colour sable/black can denote constancy or grief.
The background colour is argent/silver and is usually shown in white (easier for the artist). The colour argent/silver can denote peace or serenity.
Our Motto is “Victory” or in Irish "Bua" and this seems to be the most popular of those attributed to the Tierney surname. However, another also attributed to the Tipperary Sept that reads “Ag Friotháil Rialaim” – “By Serving I Govern” or in Latin “Serviendo Guberno”.
This O'Tierney of Fearann Ó Tighearnaigh Armorial was confirmed to a County Limerick man Michael Tierney in 1748 by the Ulster King of Arms, The Chief Herald of Ireland. The patent of confirmation issued by The Office of Arms stated that this Michael Tierney’s family, which it notes were of Tipperary origin, had “long use thereof”.
The crest is of an Oak Tree above the shield. The gules/red chief across the top of the shield is usually a third of the shield area. The colour gules/red can denote warrior or martyr: military strength or magnanimity. The sable/black chevron is said to be derived from the bow shaped war saddle or a bridge. The colour sable/black can denote constancy or grief.
The background colour is argent/silver and is usually shown in white (easier for the artist). The colour argent/silver can denote peace or serenity.
Our Motto is “Victory” or in Irish "Bua" and this seems to be the most popular of those attributed to the Tierney surname. However, another also attributed to the Tipperary Sept that reads “Ag Friotháil Rialaim” – “By Serving I Govern” or in Latin “Serviendo Guberno”.
This O'Tierney of Fearann Ó Tighearnaigh Armorial was confirmed to a County Limerick man Michael Tierney in 1748 by the Ulster King of Arms, The Chief Herald of Ireland. The patent of confirmation issued by The Office of Arms stated that this Michael Tierney’s family, which it notes were of Tipperary origin, had “long use thereof”.
The Plant Badge of the O’Tierney Chief is the Holly. A Clan Plant Badge is believed to be a charm or ‘magic’ plant that is carried beside the Clan Standard into battle or on ceremonial occasions. It may also be fixed to a staff or spear. It was used as a form of identification and is what distinguished clans in battle and was carried or worn by each clansman. The plant was believed to be indigenous, or exclusive, to the Clan territory. Clans people can wear a sprig of the Holly pinned behind a badge on their bonnet or sash.
Read the Origins of The Tierney Name
Read the Origins of The Tierney Name