The coat of arms of Margaret Byrne from Ireland emblazoned by me.
Blazon: Party per chevron Gules and Vert, overall a chevron ermine between, in the dexter of the chief a dexter hand appaumée, couped at the wrist, in the sinister of the chief a key palewise, ward to dexter chief, and in base a boar passant Argent.
Motto: «To Thine Own Self Be True» Sable, with initial letters Gules, over a scroll Argent.
Design rationale: This design combines Byrne, O’Byrne, Ó Broin arms: Gules, a chevron between three dexter hands appaumée, couped at the wrist Argent, with O’Hanlon, Ó hAnluain arms: Vert, on a mount in base proper, a boar passant Ermine. These features embody the heraldic adaptation by Gaelic chieftains, integrating ancient tribal symbolism deeply rooted in Celtic mythology and rich local traditions from Wicklow and Armagh. This design, while combining elements from each and respects this symbolism: a) The layout of the traditional Byrne arms was chosen as the basis for the new arms to reflect the armiger’s surname, however, for difference only one of the three dexter hands is employed but in the prime dexter position on the shield and retaining its tinctures. The sinister position has a key to emphasise and reflect the motto «To Thine Own Self Be True» as the essential or key message for one’s life, integrity and honesty. b) The base of the shield has the boar taken from the O’Hanlon arms, an ancient symbol of bravery, courage, and tenacity. The chevron ermine was chosen to incorporate an element used in various versions of the Byrne and O’Hanlon traditional arms and to reflect the nobility of these two ancient clans/septs who fought long and hard to maintain their independence right up to the XVII century.