CHICAGO — The most important trophy in Irish sports made its way to Chicago on Sunday.
The nearly 90-year-old Sam Maguire Cup — awarded to the annual winner of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship — was taken to a handful of city bars, including The Three Counties Pub, 5856 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Gladstone Park.
"It's the Stanley Cup of Ireland," said Three Counties Pub co-owner William Howard, of Norwood Park. "Gaelic football is the most watched sport in Ireland, and the final is the most watched game."
Kevin O'Hagan (l.) and his brother Vinny with the Sam Maguire Cup at The Three Counties Pub in Gladstone Park. [Photos Maree O'Hagan]
The trophy, named in honor of Irish football legend Sam Maguire, was first awarded in 1928. Representatives from the County Kerry team, which won last year and has a Gaelic Athletic Association-record 37 titles, brought the trophy to Chicago as a fundraiser.
Gaelic football features a team of 15 players on the field at one time. The ball is round and smaller than a soccer ball, and players must bounce or drop the ball and kick it back to their hands after every four steps. Players can score by using their feet or hands to get the ball over a crossbar or into a net.
Justin Breen tries his best to explain Gaelic football:
The Sam Maguire Cup is the biggest sports trophy in Ireland.
Howard said it's the first time the trophy has been in his establishment.
"It's the biggest trophy," he said. "It's a big deal that it was here."
Maree O'Hagan with the Sam Maguire Cup at The Three Counties Pub.
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