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Liam MacCarthy Replica Trophy

The MacCarthy Perpetual Challenge Cup (commonly referred to (and incorrectly spelled) as the McCarthy Cup) is a trophy awarded annually by the Gaelic Athletic Association to the hurling team that wins the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.

In conjunction with his two sons, William and Eugene, Liam MacCarthy donated a sum of £50 for the purchase of ten Certificates in the Irish Loan set up by Michael Collins (the London treasurer of which was Liam MacCarthy). When the loan was redeemed Liam used the money for the purchase of a silver cup based on the design of an ancient Gaelic Meither (Irish loving cup). The cup was wrought by Edmund Johnson Jewellers of Grafton Street in Dublin.

Fact: Kilkenny top the honours list with 36 wins.

Fact: Henry Shefflin of Kilkenny is the all time top scorer with 565 points from 71 games.

This cup was offered to the Central Council of the G.A.A. at Croke Park, Dublin and was gratefully accepted as the trophy awarded annually, and in all perpetuity to the winners of the Senior All-Ireland Hurling Championship, to be known as the Liam McCarthy Cup.  It was first presented in 1921 and replaced the Great Southern Cup as the All-Ireland trophy. Limerick, as All-Ireland champions in 1921, were the first recipients of the Liam McCarthy Cup.

 

In 1992 the original Liam McCarthy Cup was retired. Tipperary were the last team to claim the original. An exact replica was commissioned by the GAA, which was produced by Kilkenny goldsmith James Mary Kelly, and chased and repoussed by Aidan J. Breen. It has been awarded on an annual basis since then. Kilkenny were the first team to win the 'current' McCarthy Cup.

 

The original McCarthy Cup remains on display in the GAA museum in Croke Park, Dublin. In 2010 a third replica was commissioned and produced for use in corporate and sponsors media events.
Sources: Wikipedia, Rebel GAA

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