One passport that can be used online to discover more about life of Sam Maguire
WHILE GAA fans may have been starved of live action due to the corona virus outbreak, a new initiative is offering people a chance to delve into the life of a Cork and Irish sporting icon from the comfort of their own homes.
Launched last summer, the Sam Maguire Passport Tour encouraged people to visit his native Dunmanway and collect stamps by completing activities at seven different locations.
With the financial assistance of Cork County Council, the Dunmanway Tourism Group printed up some 25,000 ‘passports’, the aim being to get all its pages stamped, while learning more about the life and times of the man who lent his name to the All-Ireland senior football trophy.
Born in Dunmanway in 1877 Maguire was educated locally and moved to London in 1897 after joining the British civil service. Although a Protestant, Maguire had strong nationalist views and became immersed in the city’s vibrant GAA scene, captaining the London Hibernians to numerous All-Ireland finals in the 1900s.
He went on to serve as chairman of the London County London Board alongside its vice chair, Liam McCarthy, after whom the senior All-Ireland hurling cup is named.
He is also remembered for his close association with fellow Corkman Michael Collins, who he recruited into the IRB in 1909, for many years remaining one of his right hand men and serving as Collins’ chief intelligence officer in London.
Having attracted the interest of the British intelligence service, Maguire moved back to
Ireland in 1923 and worked for the newly established Irish civil service. However, after clashing with his superiors he was dismissed in 1924.
Failing health prompted his move back to Cork the following year and he passed away in 1927 after developing TB.
The following year, friends, believing it appropriate to honour his role within the GAA and the War of Independence, designed and donated a cup, modelled on the Ardagh Chalice, in his name to the GAA. The rest, as the saying goes, is history.
While the Passport Tour initially proved hugely successful, it had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 restrictions.
However, Dunmanway Tourism has now made it possible for families, history buffs and sports enthusiasts to fill their passports online.
Reverend Cliff Jackson of Dunmanway Tourism said two passports can be purchased for €5 at www.visitdunmanway.ie.
“The trail can be completed by young and old alike, but it is particularly useful for children who are 7-12 years of age who would like to explore the story of Sam Maguire from their own home. Passport Holders will receive the 24-page booklet and a set of stickers which they can use to complete the virtual tour,” he said.