MacMillan of Rathdown,

I did a little research on the subject for my own knowledge. I love the claddagh symbol for what it means, and is recognized by the world as being "of Ireland." It truly is a much needed device! The second design is by Celtic Studio out of Vancouver, where he uses a very stylized Celtic cross on the background with the shield of arms laid over it. He went with the shield because 1) many Irish clan arms don't have a crest; 2) He feels the claddagh is over used. The third style is out of a company in Texas of whom I could get no answer from but they use the shield also.

I wish the Council of Irish Chiefs had approved your style. And would also make a statement approving the Irish kilt. But hey, what can one expect from a bunch of Irishmen mostly raised in England. I had The O'Brien once tell me, "You know more about my heritage then I do." He was right.