O'LOUGHLIN SYMBOLS AND ARMS
The symbol on the left is an unofficial logo made by Stan O'Loughlin to denote the title of the1997 book "Anchor Under the Southern Cross" about our particular branch of O'Loughlins in Australia.
The anchor has long been a symbol of the Ó Lochlainn Clan. In fact it can be seen etched into the tombstone of "O'Loughlin King of Burren Family Tomb" inside Corcomroe Abbey, County Clare.
The blue anchor accentuated with an entwined rope used here is located under a depiction of The Southern Cross. Therefore the logo is intended to show an O'Loughlin Irish anchor is firmly and proudly planted in Australian soil under the stars of the Southern Cross.
NOTE: This is not a registered trademark or crest
and there is no copyright objection to it being used
in the context of O'Loughlin Family History in Australia.
About an 1838 Coat of Arms and Symbols
The image on the left has for some time, by many, thought to be the official Coat of arms generally applicable for all variations of the spelling of Ó Lochlainn (O'Loughlin, O'Loghlen, O'Loughlen, loughlen, lochnan etc.). It is not so according to the Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland.
The image depicted on the left is from the 1838 Grant of Arms to Sir Michael O'Loghlen and was specific to him and and his descendants only. There are two pages of text which accompanied this 1838 Grant of Arms.
This coat of arms, with many slight variations has been borrowed widely (in some instances even copyrighted, and is shown extensively on tourist paraphernalia such as shields, t-shirts, mugs, jewellery, badges, drink coasters and key rings etc.
Image Acknowledgement:
Chief Herald - National Library of Ireland
Irish Heraldry
It appears that banners of identification were used to distinguish tribal chiefs and clans from early in the second century A.D. Banners were important to discern friend from foe in battle. Over many centuries under different authorities the heraldry system developed as we know it now. Robert C. O'Loughlin of Coombabah, Queensland presented an interesting paper to the 2010 International Reunion at Ballyvaughan in Clare giving a history of heraldry and its application to O'Lochlainn and derivative names. The paper (pdf) can be viewed here.
Our Present Position
It was suggested at the 2010 International Reunion that a coat of arms be issued to the O'Lochlainn Clan in general, and that that it be based on the O'Lochlainn's banner used at the Battle of Terryglass in 1159 A.D.* (That banner preceded Norman arrival in Ireland and so did not constitute official heraldry; it simply shows symbols adopted by an Irish Clan). It is interesting that Clare is known as "The Banner County". Following the 2010 reunion, Tom O'Loughlin of Nottingham UK and Katharine Lochnan of Toronto in Canada beautifully produced an example of what could be a coat of arms. The suggested coat of Arms with well-researched detail and history can be seen as a pdf here. It must be stated that it is not registered or official for usage and was produced only by way of suggested example.
The Office of the Chief Herald as a part of The National Library of Ireland is the present day authority dealing with coats of arms. This includes the issuing, production and registration. (Their website also gives some history). There is law and logic which underpins Heraldic Law. Design of Coats of Arms demands traditional use of symbols, colours, crests and mottos to depict a clan or body represented. The whole issue of heraldry is a minefield of complexities. Production and issue of a coat of arms could cost thousands of Euros. The Office of the Chief Herald is required to uphold heraldic laws and maintain their legal requirements as a Government body.A Later Development
Edward O'Loghlen of Athenry in Clare arranged a meeting with Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and Foreign Affairs with Special Responsibility for the Diaspora, and on 11th December 2014 Edward met with him. Edward represented to the Minister the sincere wish of many O'Lochlainns (and derivative names) that they seek recognition as a Clan to assist in maintenance of cultural links and heritage. Edward's representation was supported by letters from Adrian O'Loughlin of Canberra, A.C.T. and Catherine Henningsen (nee O'Loughlin) of Findon, South Australia. Catherine stated that Australia as a nation has developed and flourished because of input from Irish immigrants and their descendants. Adrian indicated disappointment of many Australian Irish descendents upon learning that their is no general Coat of Arms for the Clan.
Minister Deenihan proposed that 'our group' submit a joint proposal to his Department for presentation at the International Civic Forum in Dublin 2015.
It is hoped that future discussion will lead to the official recognition of the O'Lochlainn Clan for its significant contribution to development and culture at home and abroad. Perhaps this may lead to the development and granting of an O'Lochlainn coat of arms at little or no cost.The importance of symbols.
Arms or symbols are probably most important to Irish descendants in other countries as a link when we seek to connect and embrace the culture of our forebears. Symbols or coats of arms have a unifying effect giving a sense of identity and family pride. This of course is to be applauded. No doubt an interest in Irish genealogy has enhanced not only those seeking that cultural link but has surely contributed to tourism in Ireland by those wishing to reconnect by going to their wonderful ancestral homeland.
* There is now a doubt over this location. The Book of Leinster / Book of Rights was compiled at Terryglass monastery c 1150. This matter is under review.
