The Sugrues are a junior branch of the great Munster sept O’Sullivan, and trace their lineage the Suileabhan MacMaolura who lived the year 950. The Surname came to prominence in the 16th century when Mortogh O’Sugrue married the daughter of O’Brien, Marquis of Thomond; the son of this marriage was Chieftain Charles O’Sugrue. Later that century, Elizabethan pardons (or royal indemnities) list, amongst others, a Donough O’Sugrue of Cork in 1570 a Conogher I. Sugrue of Cork in 1584, while the scholar and theologian Dr. Charles Sugrue was Bishop of Kerry 1797 to 1824.

In Chief are two red lions denoting Strength, Deathless Courage and Might; between the lions is a hand holding a sword, around the blade of which is entwined a serpent, symbolizing Justice and Wisdom in Authority. In the Dexter base is a trotting stag, the emblem of a Lover of Peace, Policy and Harmony, and in the sinister base is a black and white boar denoting a Fierce and Fearless Warrior