Gold pocket watch presented to Sam Maguire, 1923

Originally from Cork, Sam Maguire was influential in London GAA circles in the early 1900s. The Sam Maguire Cup, presented since 1928 to the All-Ireland football champions, is named in his honour. This watch was presented to him by “his fellow Gaels in London on his transfer to Ireland, January 1923”.

Sam Maguire joined the civil service and was assigned to duty in London.  It was there he grew to prominence, first in the GAA and later in the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB).  He was an outstanding footballer and played in three All-Ireland finals from 1900 – 1903, captaining the London team for two of the finals.

When his football playing days were over, he turned his attention to administration and was elected chairman of the London County Board in 1907. He was also a member of the Gaelic League in London and played a pivotal role in the Irish War of Independence – it was he who recruited Michael Collins into the IRB in 1909.

Maguire remained actively involved in London GAA affairs until his return to Ireland in 1923.  He passed away in West Cork in 1927, struck down by tuberculosis.