The O'Kelly Coat of Arms is different for many branches of the family, and the animal standing on the two sides of the tower was added in 1014 AD after the battle of Clontarf when it was reported the animal rose from the sea saving the life of a fallen comrade.

The animal is described in the Burke's General Armory as "the head of a fox, the chest of an elephant, the mane of a horse, the forelegs of an eagle, the body and hind legs of a greyhound, and the tail of a lion".

Turris Fortis Mihi Deus (Turr-is Fort'iz Me-He Day'us)
God is My Tower of Strength....