Mayo’s All-Ireland victory celebrated with rare display at Turlough Park
The chalice made by silversmith Edmund Johnson in 1897-98 is a replica of the Ardagh Chalice and is on display now at Turlough Park. Photo: The National Museum of Ireland.
The National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park is marking Mayo’s historic All-Ireland victory with a rare display of a nineteenth-century chalice that bears a striking resemblance to Sam Maguire.
Made by silversmith Edmund Johnson in 1897 to 1898, the chalice is a replica of the Ardagh Chalice from Limerick, which is one of the greatest treasures of the early Irish Church, dating back to the 8th century AD.
Sam Maguire is also modelled on the Ardagh Chalice. Mayo fans who have been lucky enough to see, and even hold, Sam since he returned home will notice the similarities between him and the one now on display in Turlough, from the Celtic knotwork to the detailed base.
National Museum curator Noel Campbell believes the chalice's significance and the timing of its display will make it a popular attraction.
“Mayo’s first All-Ireland win in 75 years will live long in everyone’s memory. The National Museum opened its branch in Mayo 25 years ago, and during that time we have travelled the sporting highs and lows with the county. We are proud of the Mayo team’s historic achievement and are honoured to be in a position to mark it with a new display,” he said.
The chalice on display at Turlough Park demonstrates highly complex skills of craftsmanship. It is two-handled and lavishly decorated with filigree, Celtic knot-work and a central border of script.
