Tuam, known as the heart of football in Galway, is still heartbroken after the county's recent exit from the All-Ireland championship. However, one man is said to have taken the result so personally he is alleged to have kicked the treasured Sam Maguire Cup up a street in the town. Lorna Siggins reports from Galway.
The alleged incident is believed to have taken place some 10 days ago, when the trophy secured by Galway last year was being taken on a tour of Tuam pubs. Gardaí confirmed yesterday they were aware of the incident but say they cannot carry out an investigation as no formal complaint has been made.
Witnesses say the cup was seized during the pub tour on August 3rd, and was kicked about 20 yards up Shop Street.
Mr John Power, secretary of the Galway county football board, confirmed yesterday the incident had been reported to him and the cup had sustained "slight damage".
He declined to comment further. It is understood from other sources there are some scratches on the surface of the trophy.
The cup had been given to a business premises for photographic purposes, and the proprietors were said to be "shocked and horrified" when they heard what had occurred.
One Tuam resident who saw what had happened said he "felt like lashing out at the thug who did it", but added "it would only bring me down to his level".
The cup is due to be returned to headquarters in Croke Park within the next week, as it has to be used for publicity in advance of this year's All-Ireland football final. One former Galway All-Ireland star who is not from Tuam but was aware of the incident, said it was a disgrace to sport in general. "When you think of all the blood sweat and tears that so many shed to win the All-Ireland cup there is simply no excuse for some gurrier, even if he was drunk, to treat it in such a disgraceful manner."