Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh Memorial Cup unveiled 

As Mayo and Kerry prepare to go head-to-head this weekend in the Allianz Football League Division 1 Final, Allianz and the GAA unveiled the new cup that will be presented to the division winners, this coming Sunday, for the very first time.

Ahead of his first anniversary this June, ‘Corn Mhíchíl Uí Mhuircheartaigh' was unveiled today, to honour and remember the GAA icon, who for decades, brought the drama, passion and excitement of Gaelic Games to life – making every match unforgettable for generations of fans.

Speaking ahead of the Allianz Football League Finals this weekend and at the unveiling of Corn Mhíchíl Uí Mhuircheartaigh, Geoff Sparling, Allianz Chief Customer Officer, said:

“As title sponsors of the Allianz Leagues for over 30-years, today marks a particularly special moment in our long-running partnership with the GAA and one we are very proud to be a part of. Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh was a national treasure who transcended generations. His voice was the soundtrack to so many iconic moments and his passion for Gaelic Games came through in every word he spoke.

“As proud sponsors, we are thrilled to support the launch of this new cup in Mícheál’s memory, which will ensure that his legacy continues to inspire future generations of players and fans alike. Lifting Corn Mhíchíl Uí Mhuircheartaigh for the very first time, will make topping the Allianz Football League even more special. The very best of luck to both Mayo and Kerry this Sunday and, indeed, all panels competing across the weekend.

This year marks the centenary of the addition of the National Hurling and Football Leagues to the GAA calendar. The inaugural competitions, which were started in October 1925 and ended the following spring, were won by Laois in football and Cork in hurling, with Dublin contesting both finals. The first cup for the football league was the New Ireland Cup and was first presented in 1929 with Kerry the inaugural recipients.

Corn Mhíchíl Uí Mhuircheartaigh is a bespoke sterling silver GAA trophy crafted by John J Cooke & Co. Ltd and features a replica Allianz Football League medal on the front with the inscription: Corn Mhíchíl Uí Mhuircheartaigh - bronnta ar bhuaiteoirí Roinn 1 de Shraith Náisiúnta Peile CLG

Also speaking at today’s Allianz launch, Uachtarán CLG, Jarlath Burns, said:

“It is my privilege to welcome this newest addition to the GAA family silver, An Corn Mhíchíl Uí Mhuircheartaigh, a fantastic trophy that pays a lasting tribute to one of the greatest cultural ambassador’s that Ireland has ever known. Micheál was a man who spent a lifetime devoted to Gaelic games and used his inimitable commentaries to spread our gospel around the globe.

I want to pay tribute to our friends in Allianz for being the inspiration behind this new cup. They are our longest standing sponsors and supporters in the GAA, and this is a trophy worthy of the excellent competition that is the Allianz Football League Division 1 title, which is fought for by the cream of our football talent.”

This weekend marks the final weekend of Allianz Football League action. Mayo take on Kerry in the final of Division 1. Throw in is at 4pm. Division 2 sees Monaghan facing Roscommon, with throw in at 7.15pm. Kildare will face off against Offaly on Sunday in Division 3, while Wexford will take on Limerick at 5pm, in the Division 4 final on Saturday.

Allianz has been a steadfast supporter of the GAA for over three decades. To learn more about Allianz’s sponsorship of the Allianz Leagues, visit www.allianz.ie.