Armagh GAA in fake Sam Maguire warning as counterfeit trophy paraded at events
“Armagh GAA have clearly established guidelines and methods for requesting the use/appearance of the Sam Maguire and will never charge for this.”
Armagh GAA have warned fans about forking out for a ‘fake’ Sam Maguire, which is touring the county.
County chiefs say they are aware of a counterfeit All-Ireland trophy being hired “for substantial amounts of money” by schools and bars for events.
Armagh have flagged the issue with their clubs, saying they don’t charge for the Sam Maguire, with a system in place to book it in advance.
Read More: Fanaticism, passion, conservatism and trophies: Who will Tyrone GAA turn to next?
Kieran McGeeney’s men landed the county’s second All-Ireland title just over five weeks ago.
Football fever swept the county in the weeks leading up to their first final appearance since 2003, and that has only intensified following their victory over Galway.
A County Board statement said: “Armagh GAA have clearly established guidelines and methods for requesting the use/appearance of the Sam Maguire and will never charge for this.”
To add to the intrigue, there is a second official Sam Maguire Cup. This is a replica created in 2010 that is used for GAA events but rarely leaves Croke Park.
Fraudsters attempting to profit from one of their most famous trophies is not a new phenomenon for the GAA.
A GAA video was released in 2019 showing a fake Sam Maguire being crushed.
At the time, GAA Director General Tom Ryan said: “It’s an iconic trophy and part of why it’s valued is because there is a mystique around it.
“And if it were the case that it would be easier to come by or easy to lay your hands on that would be a pity and dilute some of the mystique attached to a thing.
“Also, of course you don’t want people to be using the GAA brand or the GAA name or the name Sam Maguire for commercial purposes. I think that’s not fitting either.”
The original Sam Maguire is in the GAA museum after it was taken out of circulation after Meath’s 1987 victory over Cork.
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
