SAM MAGUIRE MISSING IN NEW YORK
Trophy returned safely as officials begin investigation
THE Sam Maguire cup went missing during a Dublin tour of New York this week, the Irish Sunday Mirror can reveal. GAA chiefs are probing after the trophy vanished following its display at an Irish bar in Manhattan while on a visit with the All-ireland winners. However, a source said: “I’m told the trophy is safe and on its way to Chicago.”
GAA chiefs are investigating after the Sam Maguire cup went missing in New York.
The famous trophy was allegedly taken after being displayed at an Irish sports bar in Manhattan during a visit by All-ireland title holders Dublin.
It vanished overnight while on tour with manager Jim Gavin and a group of players including Con O’callaghan and Brian Fenton.
But yesterday the iconic silverware was back safe with the Championship winners on a flight bound for Chicago.
A GAA source told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “From what I understand this was just a bit of high jinx and the cup is intact.
“I’m told the trophy is safe and on its way to Chicago, there’s no issue with it.
“I’ve seen photos of the trophy and everything is in order.
“It’s in Dublin GAA’S possession so it would be their responsibility for their year as All-ireland champions.”
A spokesman for Dublin GAA was contacted by the Irish Sunday Mirror but was unavailable for comment. The pub at which the cup had been paraded earlier in the evening was also contacted but refused to comment.
Footage of three drunken fans has been circulated on social media showing them making off with the Sam Maguire in the early hours of the morning. One bleary-eyed reveller was spotted on CCTV with the cup under his arm and footage later emerged of a group of pals in poses with the trophy.
ANTICS
The trio, who spoke with Dublin accents, appear the worse for wear as they record their antics from what appears to be an apartment or hotel room. In a short video one thrusts the silverware towards the camera, boasting: “The boys took it home... a f***ing bowl for an aul bowl of soup.” To a chorus of laughter he then appears to spit in the giant cup and drunkenly slurs: “Bowl of soup in there, huh? I shouldn’t be holding it... there now in a minute.” Other images show his pal posing with the cup on his head, lying on the carpet with it perched on his jeans and a third of it on top of an ironing board. On Friday night the trophy was taken to the Mean Fiddler, a popular Irish sports bar on West 47th Street which has been voted best Irish party bar in the Big Apple. Dubs manager Jim Gavin was pictured with players Con O’callaghan and Brian Fenton wearing suits and posing with the cup outside the pub. The caption reads: “The Dublin team and the Sam Maguire were back at the Mean Fiddler today with our lovely bartender Michelle.”
I’m told the trophy is safe and on its way to Chicago. I’ve seen photos and all is in order GAA SOURCE AFTER INCIDENT YESTERDAY