Adelaide and Meath Hospital

	ADELAIDE AND MEATH HOSPITAL (now Tallaght University Hospital) Institutional Heraldry of the World : Country : Ireland

Official blazon
Irish	blazon wanted
English	Azure, an open book proper edged and clasped or, bound gules, charged on the dexter with the sun in splendour gules and inscribed on the sinister with the word Tamlact in letters sable, in base a harp gold, on a chief argent, a cross of the fourth surmounted by a chaplet of rue of the second, with the motto: Iccath Cech Thedmai.

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on October 7, 1998.

The Red Cross with white background recalls symbols used by both the Meath and National Children Hospital. The Red Cross represents the order of nursing and the cross is also the supreme Christian symbol. The Rue wreath recalls the crancelin of the Adelaide Shield and Rue represents remembrances in Heraldry.

The book represents teaching and research which are key aspects of the campus. It also refers to Fillire Oengussa – a renowned Martyrology of Aengus Abbot of Tallaght - a work written in c 800AD. Tallaght in Irish on the page establishes the site of the monastery where the book was written as well as the location of the Hospital.

The sun is a powerful symbol of healing. The harp reflects Trinity College’s coat of arms and links the campus to Tallaght and Ireland and our national commitments.

The motto is a prayer ‘To be the healer of every ailment in mind, body and spirit’.

Literature: https://www.tuh.ie/News/Tallaght-Hospital-Announces-a-Change-of-Title-to-Tallaght-University-Hospital.html