Kingdom introduces ‘Championship rings’

IT kicked off with the germ of an idea from Kieran Donaghy — a big American sports fan — who wanted a visible keepsake of an All-Ireland winning season with Kerry he’ll never forget.

Now one wonders could the Kingdom’s new idea of Championship rings become as much a GAA symbol of success as it has been for American sports legends down through the decades?

Donaghy’s initiative caught fire last week and John Ross jewellers in Tralee — with the financial help of Kelliher’s Garage in the town — were commissioned to produce a set of 49 “superb hand-crafted” rings for the entire All-Ireland winning squad, management and backroom team — each “fully deserved”, according to the new Kerry captain. The rings were designed by Heather Ross and were part of the treasured booty — that also included their All-Ireland medals — presented to the players at a gala banquet for county senior and minors teams in Killarney.

GAA president Liam O’Neill, and Munster GAA chairman Robert Frost made the presentations. O’Neill was presented with an engrave piece of Valentia slate while Kerry Group director of corporate affairs Frank Hayes received a specially commissioned painting by artist Tina Reid.

It was a busy weekend for the All-Ireland champions with many also attending the wedding of keeper Brendan Kealy on Saturday.