With Dublin’s dominance destroying interest in Gaelic football and the provincial championships (bar Ulster) declining in importance, the prospects of a meaningful trophy for counties in Gaelic football and hurling appear to be declining all the time.
Thus, it may be time to follow rugby’s lead and award trophies for head to head matches - ie. the Calcutta Cup for England v Scotland, the Centenary Quaich for Scotland v Ireland and the Giuseppe Garibaldi Cup for France v Italy.
Ideally the names of these trophies would signify some sort of common historical, sporting or cultural reference point common to counties.
There are many, many combinations among the 32 counties, so let’s get started on naming some of these prospective trophies, and do feel free to add your own suggestions.
If the thread is a success we could take this motion all the way to the GAA congress next year.
Mayo v Derry - The Charles J. Haughey Cup
Mayo v Donegal - The Martin Carney Shield
Wexford v Kilkenny - The Old Alliance Trophy or the 'Oul Powdery Pot
Clare v Offaly - The Jimmy Cooney Whistle
Tipperary v Galway - The Tony Keady Banner