Crystal firm makes souvenirs to mark Tyrone triumph

A leading crystal firm has made replicas of the Sam Maguire to commemorate Tyrone’s All Ireland Championship triumph.

Before the Croke Park final Tyrone Crystal secured exclusive rights from the GAA to make crystal versions of the iconic trophy.

But it has been inundated with orders since the county defeated Kerry in Croke Park last weekend.

Tyrone Crystal’s commercial director Paul Donnelly said the piece was a fitting souvenir to mark the county’s second All Ireland title in three years.

“We thought this was a wonderful idea, a fantastic memento to treasure from a great sporting triumph,” he said.

“The GAA agreed with us, and have officially sanctioned the trophy.

“To be honest we never had any doubt the boys would win. Not only did we start work on the trophy last week before the game was even played, we also collected all the players’ signatures and have engraved them on a crystal football.”

The crystal Sam Maguire, which carries the official logo of the GAA, is blown and engraved by master craftsmen at the company’s factory in Dungannon.

Tyrone Crystal chief executive June Burgess said the firm has already received a number of international orders.

Ms Burgess said: “Tyrone’s footballers are magnificent ambassadors for the county and their achievement at Croke Park last weekend was remarkable.

“We’re proud of them, and delighted to be able to offer these very special souvenirs of an historic sporting achievement.”