County Westmeath is situated in the centre of Ireland in the Province of Leinster, with Mullingar being its county town. It has a strong agricultural economy and many thriving stud farms.
It is also known as the lake county, referring to the numerous lakes in the county including, Lough Derravagh,Lough Ennell, Lough Cassidy, Lough Lene, Lough Hogg, Lough Owel, Lough Coffey And the most famous Lough Ree.
The Grand Canal and the River Shannon also flow through Westmeath.
This county has a proud diverse musical heritage from Count John Mc Cormack, Joe Dolan to the Blizzards.
The Irish inscription under the crest "triath os triathaibh" means noble above nobility, is that of the High King of Ireland Tuathal Teachtmhar 108 A.D. who had his palace on the Hill of Uisneach, near Mullingar.
The swan on the upper portion of the crest represents the legend of the children of Lir supposed to have been transformed into swans on Lough Derravagh in the north of the county.
The norsemans helmet refers to the story of Turgesius the Dane from whom Malachy II king of Meath and Westmeath stole a gold collar before drowning him in Lough Owel in 843 A.D.
The rampant Lions represent the old ruling families of this region, the Maelechlainns, the MacGeoghegans and the MacCauleys.
The ring at the centre of the crest is a symbol of union and fidelity, also indicating the central location of this county.
The Westmeath wall plaque is designed and handmade in studio by Colm Mc Cann.
The crest and inscription is coldcast in Brass and then carefully mounted onto a slate wall hanging plaque, 125mm x 125mm in size.
This slate wall plaque makes a wonderful gift for anyone who has Westmeath ancestry.
