Carlow GAA request return of championship silverware following 'recent mistreatment' of cups

Ger McNally, Sports Editor of The Carlow Nationalist and Carlow GAA Chairman John McDonald present the Nationalist Cup to Rathvilly captain Colin Byrne after last Sunday's win over Old Leighlin in this year's final. Pic: Pat Ahern

Carlow GAA have requested all of their championship silverware be returned to the board following “recent mistreatment” of the cups and trophies.

In an email to clubs, county board secretary Michael Whelan has asked those currently in receipt of silverware return them to the county board offices before Thursday evening.

“Due to the recent mistreatment of Championship cups, we are asking that all Championship Cups are returned to the County Board Offices before next county committee meeting on Thursday October 22 at 7.30pm” read Whelan’s email.

Carlow GAA have responded to a video on social media, which appears to show an attempt to remove the lid of the Nationalist Cup with an angle grinder. Rathvilly defeated Old Leighlin in last Sunday’s county SFC final to claim the cup.

The cup is now in the possession of the county board who released a statement to the Carlow Nationalist on the matter: "In relation to a video that has been in circulation appearing to show damage being done to the Carlow Senior Football Championship trophy, the Nationalist Cup, Carlow GAA are pleased to report that the Cup has been returned to the County Board and that no actual damage has been done to the Cup."

The lid came off the same cup when Old Leighlin captain Aaron Amond raised it in celebration following their final win over Rathvilly 12 months ago.

Both the Liam MacCarthy and Sam Maguire Cups have been damaged through the years but mostly through wear and year. Although, Gaelic football’s most treasured piece of silverware was infamously kicked on a street in Tuam in August 2002.

The GAA now uses two of each All-Ireland trophy to ensure availability. The original MacCarthy and Maguire Cups are on show in the GAA Museum in Croke Park. The new versions are given to the All-Ireland champions and the replicas used for marketing, promotional, and commercial purposes.

In June, the Joe McDonagh Cup snapped at the neck in Croke Park when it was lifted by some of the members of the Laois team following their win over Carlow.

In 2004, the Billy Long Cup awarded to the Cork intermediate football champions was deemed beyond repair following damage caused after it was mislaid. A new trophy carrying Long's name is now given to the county’s premier intermediate FC winners.

Seven years ago, north Galway club Glenamaddy landed themselves in hot water after footage emerged of the cup awarded to them for winning the junior football championship being treated poorly. It was also missing parts.