In case you were wondering what manner of beast is on our family coat-of-arms (kinda looks like a dog, horse, coyote), allow me to enlighten you. FOXES. The significance of I can only guess...the fox, at least in medieval times, was noted for its cunning and stealth...and for eluding many a dumb Englishman on horseback and their pack of hounds. I've said it before and will declare it again. Somewhere in the Shannon Family tree their surely runs the blood of Irish kings and bards! Can you feel it? Ha

Interesting... I never would have guessed those were foxes! 

After viewing the coat-of-arms I definetely could see that the animals indeed are Foxes, and you say that somewhere in the older days that the Shannon family were Irish kings and bards. I am not sure what a bard is, but I do know that in early 1300's that the Shannons' were indeed Captains and Pirates ! I did a book report back in the 60's, and we were trace our family name back as early as possible and then write a book report about, so I do indeed believe our distant relatives were Kings.

As far as the Shannon family line having the blood of kings and bards (wise men), while hypothetically possible, such a premise would be more blarney than reality...uncle DJ woulda got a kick out of it. Now, ya better sit down for this one. I have a relation (Evan's side), who is a professional genealogist...specializing in Irish ancestry, who did some research for my dad (Harold), some years back. DIRECT lines, prior to the 19th cent. are almost impossible to trace, AND, it is at least possible that when our Irish ancestors came to North America, they may have, after landing, gathered on the wharf and said, "well lads/lassies, we'll be needin a name...any ideas?'...."Hmmmm,"says great, great, great grandad Joe Shannon, "I already miss our beloved Shannon River, and the many fine days I/we spent fishin on her. What say we call ourselves-Shannon?"
Many folks did something just like that...and not just the Irish. However we came by it, it's a fine name, and long may the Joe & Mabel Shannon family line live and stay true to their heritage.