Gallagher Shield

[carroll]

I was wondering if someone could tell me about the Gallagher Shield.

The asp and the moon look older than the 'lion of ireland' part.

Is there a history to this? I was once told that these caln items were a recent thing but I really have no idea.

I would be interested to know

Carroll

[carroll]

Come on somebody, I would like to know about the asp and the torc. :-)

[gerene]

May I ask what you know about the torc?

[bobgallagher]

carroll said:

I was wondering if someone could tell me about the Gallagher Shield. The asp and the moon look older than the 'lion of ireland' part. Is there a history to this? I was once told that these caln items were a recent thing but I really have no idea. I would be interested to know
Carroll

I'd like to know more myself.
When I read comments about the lion over the serpent/snake it is usually spoken of in a negative connotation ie destroying the snake/serpent (a la St. Patrick chasing out the snakes et al) but since the Gollacbhair Clan is descended from the original King of Ireland and that the Gallaghers were considered as protectors of the King, I'd be willing to suggest that the lion is standing over the the serpent/snake to protect it.
I am also willing to suggest that the snake/serpent over the arabian/middle eastern looking moon and head of armor may have something to do with connection to religious mystical traditions and practices. This might also explain why that part of the crest looks older than the rest. In some cultures the serpent or snake imagery represents esoteric, mystical or divine power and by placing the snake above the armor helmet could conceiveably show that they (the Gallaghers) had mastered and controlled these energies. I have also read that the symbol of the snake was Druidic and that "the association with snakes and Druids is time honored and ancient" and this could again go back to their mastery of esoteric, mystical or divine power.
Who knows?