Coat of arms, the principal part of a system of hereditary symbols dating back to early medieval Europe, used primarily to establish identity in battle. Arms evolved to denote family descent, adoption, alliance, property ownership, and, eventually, profession. – Britannica
The above definition, taken from the online source, Britannica, sets out what a coat of arms is and was for. It a fine reference for this familial symbol. Most families have one, and many know what theirs looks like. Some might even know what the various parts of the coat of arms represent. We’re willing to bet, however, that most don’t, being too involved in issues such as paying bills and who’s going to come out of Ulster this year. To further assist you, we have included some more from the same source:
The origin of the term coat of arms is in the surcoat, the cloth tunic worn over armour to shield it from the sun’s rays. It repeated the bearer’s arms as they appeared on his banner or pennon and on his shield, and it was particularly useful to the heralds as they toured the battlefield identifying the dead. It also identified the knight in the social surroundings of the tournament. What today is popularly termed a “coat of arms” is properly an armorial or heraldic “achievement” and consists of a shield accompanied by a warrior’s helmet, the mantling which protects his neck from the sun (usually slashed fancifully to suggest having been worn in battle), the wreath which secures the mantling and crest to the helmet, and the crest itself (the term for the device above the helmet, not a synonym for the arms). Additions to the achievement may include badges, mottoes, supporters, and a crown or coronet. – Britannica
In the photo above, you can see the Conwell coat of arms (my, but weren’t they a posh lot!). The motto is “Age in Aeternum” which apparently means “Act Eternally” or “Do Eternally” depending upon whatever you’re havin’ yourself. This is likely simplified as “never stop,” or “keep on keeping on” as per the fine lyrics of the First Aid Kit song, My Silver Lining, a Swedish folk duo who have no connection to Ballyeglish at all (unless their Viking ancestors plundered the ancient monastic settlement believed located there). We like to digress at The Ballyeglish Society, but those dastardly Vikings did indeed plunder churches around Lough Neagh for more than 100 years, ending in 945 CE when they got their arses handed to them by the disgruntled Irish.
The Conwell coat of arms is that of the McConville clan with a few adjustments. One such change is that of the two snakes twinned around the Rod of Asclepius which signifies the medial professions. The Conwells had a history of being surgeons. This symbol is the heraldic “Crest” of the Conwells. The other change is the coronet (see below for explanation).
The eagle shown denotes a protector; strength; a person of action, the latter tying nicely in with the motto. It has other meanings too. The helmet signifies a wise defence so, Conwells and all descendants, keep your guard up at all times. The four rings or annulets are a strange one. Each ring signifies strength or fidelity. It can also represent cadence, or a younger branch of a family, as well as a fifth son. Why 4 of them? Maybe it is linked to the Conwell family legend? Further research needed.
The shield, or escutcheon, is of the “French” style from the 17th century. Shields vary greatly in heraldry and the shape doesn’t appear to signify much other than fashion. It’s what’s in it, or on it, that matters most.
The flamboyant wreath on top of the helmet is the “torse.” It has little symbolism other than design. It masks the join between helmet and crown in this instance.
The coronet, or small crown, in the Conwell coat of arms has the Crest on top and is therefore known as a Crest-coronet. A crown has an arch over the top and is reserved for kings and queens and the like. A coronet is for all other members of the aristocracy.
The fact that the Conwell coronet is above the helmet is important as it is usually below. Why this design was chosen by the Conwells is anyone’s guess, but it’s known on the continent as a ducal coronet, sometimes tied to Dukes. The leaves of the coronet might be either shamrocks or, more likely, acanthus, the latter being common in heraldry, especially among higher ranks, such as Dukes. Acanthus leaves are known as strawberry leaves in English blazon (written description of heraldic symbols).
That’s about all we have for you, at this time, on this intriguing coat of arms. Any extra info. you might be able to provide us with on this example is greatly appreciated. 
Bígí linn
The Ballyeglish Society 
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