RARE BOOK & COLLECTORS' SALE April 30th & May 1st 2025

193 info@fonsiemealy.ie 709 A Prototype of the LiamMcCarthy Cup G.A.A., Hurling 1923, a Celtic Revival silver Drinking Vessel, modelled as a Mether, decorated with Celtic motifs and designs from the Book of Kells, with four carrying handles, by Edmund Johnston, Dublin, dated 1923, approx. 11 1/2” high, approx. 55 ounces. (1)
Liam McCarthy [1853-1928] was born in London to Irish parents – his mother was from Limerick and his father from Cork. It is said that Irish was the first language of his home. As a young man he was a keen sportsman and hurler, and often hurled on Clapham Common. A successful businessman, he became treasurer and president of the GAA’s London County Board, and vice president of the Gaelic League. In 1922 he offered to commission a trophy for presentation annually to the winners of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship. It was made by Edmund Johnson Jewellers of Grafton Street, Dublin, on the model of an ancient drinking cup or mether. The original trophy is now in the GAA Museum. In 1991 it was replaced by a facsimile for annual presentation.
The trophy was first won by Limerick in 1923. Ten different counties have held the cup; by 2019 Kilkenny had won it 29 times. Provenance: By descent to the present vendor *Modelled on an ancient drinking vessel, known as a mether, the Liam MacCarthy Cup was wrought by Edmund Johnson Jewellers of Grafton Street, Dublin and cost £50. The original Liam MacCarthy Cup was first won by Limerick in 1923. This was actually for the 1921 championship, which was delayed due to unrest in Ireland. * Note: The above example is by tradition a sample or prototype presented by Edmund Johnston to the Committee for the Liam McCarthy, a variant was chosen. It is now housed in the GAA Museum. €5000-€7000