Roscommon (county)

Heraldry of the World
Civic heraldry of Ireland

COUNTY ROSCOMMON

Official blazon

Origin/meaning

The name of the county itself is first recalled by the green area in the upper part of the shield, representing the ROS of ROS COMAIN.

On the green area is placed a cross, as a recollection in general of Saint Coman, and the Abbeys of Roscommon and in particular of the association of the cross of Cong with the County. The antique crown below recalls Rathcroghan, where, according to Mac Firbis, "most of the kings of the race of Hereman were buried".

The ram's head represents the County's importance as a centre of sheep-rearing. To bring the story of Roscommon down to the present day, that fact that Dr. Douglas Hyde, first President of Ireland, was born in the County is recalled by the introduction of an oak-branch in memory of "An Craobhin Aoibhinn".

The motto "Constans Hiberniae Cor" not only suggests the physical location of the County but also sums up happily the enduring character of themes represented in the design.