Coat of Arms/Crest question

[Canterburynorth]

Hi all,

My family is the Doody family of County Clare, Ireland. I've been looking at the family crests on different sites on google, my question is how do I know which one is mine? There are so many different ones.

Is anyone an expert on these matters and could point me in the right direction.

Kind regards
Leandra

[aghadowey]

Most, or all, of them probably aren't yours. Very few people were entitled to a coat of arms and you can't assume finding one with your ancestor's surname has any connection to your family.

[stanmapstone]

See http://www.college-of-arms.gov.uk/Faq.htm

Stan

[Canterburynorth]

Thanks aghadowey,

Lol I did wonder if we were entitled, we are ag labs, and farmers etc.

Thanks for the link Stan, much appreciated.

Kind regards
Leandra

[aghadowey]

Irish coats of arms come under the Genealogical Office, Dublin castle-
http://www.burkespeerage.com/articles/re_officeofthechiefheraldofireland.aspx

[Stephen J F Plowman]

Irish coats of arms come under the Genealogical Office, Dublin castle-
http://www.burkespeerage.com/articles/re_officeofthechiefheraldofireland.aspx

Up until 1945 Irish heraldry was regulated by the Ulster King of Arms.  Generally, Ulster followed the same traditions as the English College of Arms - i.e. it was unlikely that someone of "humble stock" would be armigerous.  One main difference is that he would "confirm" Arms if it was proven that Arms had been used for a number of generations.  The "modern" Irish heraldic practice is, I believe, more egalitarian.

[Canterburynorth]

Hello all,

Apologies for my late reply.

Thanks so much for all the information you have provided me, its been very interesting reading. I appreciate all of your help

Kind regards
Leandra