The Reilly Coat Of Arms

  The Reilly Coat Of Arms 
  Originally uploaded by cameronreilly.

I was sitting at my desk this morning, about 6am, with two little boys on my lap, looking through photos on my desktop when we came across the Reilly Coat Of Arms.

The story behind the coat of arms of the Reilly clan (originally O'Ragheallach meaning Son of Ragheallach ("ragh:" Irish, a race; "eallach," gregarious)) has always amused me.

Note the bloodied hand? Apparently the story goes something like this:

Back when the Rileys were top of the pile, a family coat of arms used to mean something --like a logo supposedly for genetic material. It can be viewed as an abstract representation of a double helix. But when yours is a severed orange hand dripping blood the impression sure wasn't romantic. In Ireland severed hands were an emblematic dime a dozen. Them Celts knew the shock value of body parts.

However, ours, if I can claim such lineage, had a great story attached to it. The Riley bros were told by their da that the one who touched Irish land first got their choice of the countryside. So in rowing to shore -- as some sort of boat race was involved -- one of : the lads saw that he was slipping behind his sibling(s). Rather than miss out on the chance of a lifetime, junior hacked off his own hand : and threw it ahead onto the beach. And the winner, by a bloodied fist: is... So the Rileys grasped County Cavan in the open palm of a severed hand thereby learning a lesson or two about sibling rivalry. (courtesy Dave Riley's blog)

And the family motto "Fortitudine et Prudentia" (Fortitude and Prudence) sums it up. You have to know when the prize is worth losing a limb for and have the guts to chop it off. The lesson - don't frak with a Reilly.

A little history of the Reilly Clan from Wikipedia:

O'Reilly is one of the most common surnames in Ireland, and by far the most common in County Cavan. The Reillys trace their ancestry back to Conn Ced-catchach (Conn of the hundred battles). One of his descendants was Brian, King of Connaght, in the 4th century, his descendants became known as Ui Briuin (the race of Brian). Brian had 24 sons, and from one came a son called Dui Galach who was ancestor of the O'Connors, the O'Flahertys, the O'Rourkes and the O'Reillys. He had a son Fergus, whose own son Feargna, was ancestor to Ui Briuin Brefnie (the O'Reillys and the O'Rourkes).

Sometime round the 6th century Feargna migrated north, and was succeeded by a son Aedh Finn (Hugh the fair) who died in 611 A.D. Aedhs son Maelmorda was ancestor of the O'Reillys. This is why for much of the time they ruled what is now county Cavan, it was known as Muinter Maelmordha (The country of Maelmordhas people). From Maelmordha through Dubhcren and Cathalan came Raghallach, who was reputedly killed at the Battle of Clontarf. From him all the O'Reillys are named. Such is the ancient genealogy of the O’Reillys.

Comments

[Rob Irwin]

Family histories are great, eh? The Irwin's are a bunch of Scots, transplanted to Ireland... and the familly motto (translated) which I keep coming across? "No one crosses me with impunity".

Which somehow seems quite apt ;)

[Stephen Edgar]

Maxwell is the family clan and Reviresco (I grow strong again) is the motto.

My trip to Scotland in 97/98 I did the whole family history thing. I had the benefit of a company fuel card so on the weekends I travelled the country going to cemeteries across Scotland, reading and research at many of the bigger libraries and universities. I went to a few tartan mills to look at the prospect of purchasing a skirt (Kilt), though at ₤500 it was a bit much for some drag that I would not wear. It was a fascinating journey getting the back story on the family above what Mum had already found out here in her genealogy research here in Australia.

[Rachel Cook]

What a find.. great info to tell the kids...I will have to work out how to find out about O'Brien (maiden name, grandfather irish) and MacFergus (grandmother scottish)...and get my genealogy research up and running again before my great uncle in Sydney passes away!

[Stella Riley]

I found this website very informational. I don't know much of my Riley background. All I have is a name and his mothers first name. I don't know where to start and i am about ready to give it up. I was doing some research for my Husband and came across this site. Thank you

Stella E. Riley

[Stephen Christopher O'Riley (O'Reilly)]

my middle name comes from one of the earliest ancestors to arrive here in america from ireland , my great uncle william has gone to great lengths to keep records of our geneology, it is good to see others have done the same.

[Amanda Perkins]

I recently came across this site, I am looking for ancestors with the last name of Reilly. This is what I know so far, and if any of you can help I would be greatful! My mother's name was Eileen Reilly, and she pasted away when I was 10 years of age. My grandmother's name was Kathern and her brother in law was Frank. To my knowledge Frank is still alive living in Florida. I have various aunts that all reside in Conneticutt. Anyway, if anyone knows anything please feel free to share.