Tá áthas orm an corainn seo a glacadh

A MINIATURE Sam Maguire or Liam McCarthy Cup could be dangling from your Christmas tree next December if the GAA has its way.

The association has applied to the Patents Office to have both trophies registered as trademarks and has specifically sought permission to allow it license the production of miniature cups as Christmas tree decorations.

If, as expected, the applications are successful, the blazing emblems of All-Ireland glory will also adorn jewellery, books, clothes, games and household ornaments.

The application was made under the 1996 Trade Marks Act and is part of a campaign by the GAA to legally

secure its property.

It was made under four of the various classes allowed by the Patents Office. These include jewellery, stationery, clothing and footwear. The most intriguing class cited in the application is entitled "Games and Playthings" and specifically includes "ornaments and decorations for Christmas trees."

Success could bring the GAA an early present from Santa. A spokesperson for the Patents Office said the registration would allow the association to sell, lease or licence the name and image of the Sam Maguire and Liam McCarthy cups to manufacturers and other commercial enterprises.

The registration fees being paid by the GAA amount to less than 1,000 but the consequences of success could reap rich rewards for the association which has for the past 12 years sought to maximise income through sponsorship, branding and the sale of GAA memorabilia. Croke Park is so anxious to protect its brands that it has even clashed with the Gaelic Players' Association and individual players who have secured personal sponsorship.

The application was first made on May 14 last and, after investigation by the Patents Office, has now passed its first major hurdle and been placed in the Patents Office Journal. Anyone opposed to the registration has until December 17 to lodge an objection.