(Click image for larger crest.)


The Kelly & O'Kelly Family Crest

The armorial bearings of some of the O'Kelly / Kelly branches have slight
differences. All, however , show the green enfield as their crest.
There is a tradition among the Kellys that they have borne this
fabulous animal since the days of Tadhg Mór O'Kelly who fell
"fighting like a wolf dog" against the Danes with the High King Of
Ireland, Brian Boru at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014AD. When Tadhg
Mór fell this animal issued from the nearby sea to protect the dead
body of the chief until it was retrieved by his O'Kelly kinsmen.

The animal is sculptured on many old tombstones of the Kelly
family in the Abbey of Kilconnell, and in the old church of
Cloonkeen.

A most extraordinary creature, it is composed as follows; the head
of a fox, the chest of an elephant, the mane of a horse, the
forelegs of an eagle , the body and hind legs of a hound , and the
tail of a lion.

Family Motto: Turris Fortis Mihi Deus (Latin)
God is My Tower Of Strength