New display at Turlough Park marks Mayo’s All-Ireland win

THE National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park is marking the Mayo senior football team’s historic All-Ireland win with a rare display of a beautiful 19th century chalice.

The silver chalice was made by silversmith Edmund Johnson in 1897-98. It is a replica of the Ardagh Chalice from Co. Limerick, which dates to the 8th century AD and is one of the greatest treasures of the early Irish Church.

The design of the chalice will be familiar to many as that of the Sam Maguire Cup, which was presented by the GAA to the victorious Mayo team this summer. The Sam Maguire Cup is modelled on the Ardagh Chalice which is on permanent display in the National Museum of Ireland at Kildare Street in Dublin.

National Museum curator Noel Campbell believes the significance of the chalice and the timing of its going on display will make it a popular attraction.

He said: “Mayo’s first All-Ireland win in 75 years will live long in everyone’s memory. The National Museum opened its branch in Mayo 25 years ago, and during that time we have travelled the sporting highs and lows with the county. We are proud of the Mayo team’s historic achievement and are honoured to be in a position to mark it with a new display.”

The chalice on display at Turlough Park demonstrates highly complex skills of craftsmanship. It is two-handled and lavishly decorated with filigree, Celtic knot-work and a central border of script.

The Sam Maguire Cup, which is modelled on the Ardagh Chalice, was crafted by silversmith Matthew Staunton on behalf of Hopkins and Hopkins of Dublin and was presented to the GAA in 1928.