Ballard Genealogy and Heraldry

These arms were granted by the College of Arms in 2010 to Paul J Ballard Esq of Castlehill, Ballina, Co Mayo, Ireland.

ARMS

Per fess wavy Argent and Azure a Water-wheel between four Fish dorsal fins outwards those in dexter chief and sinister base bendwise sinister heads inwards those in sinister chief and dexter base bendwise heads outwards all counterchanged

CREST

Upon a Helm with a Wreath Argent and Azure a demi Griffin Ermine legged Azure holding in the dexter claws a Lightning Flash and resting the sinister claws on a Serpent nowed Or

BADGE

Issuant from the rim of a Water-wheel Azure six Lightning Flashes Or

For those of you with an interest in the meaning of the arms they are intended to symbolise my concern with sustainable living and development. The division per fess wavy Argent and Azure represents water as the source of life, in which a water-wheel turns in allusion to renewable energy. The four fish stand for my love of fishing as well as the natural environment and also represent a sustainable reserve of food.
 
The crest is a demi griffin, in line with all Ballard grants, which traditionally stood for strength, military courage and leadership. It grasps a lightning flash as a symbol of the electrical impulses which power computers and rests the other foot on a serpent taken from the crest of the Flemings of Rydal from whom my wife is descended.
 
The badge is a combination of the water-wheel and six lightning flashes.
Ermine denotes dignity whilst argent is peace & serenity and azure is truth & loyalty.
The motto "Veritas Ante Quam Fides" is translated as "Truth Before Faith" and reflects my atheist world view.