The MacRory Cup
The Story of Ulster Colleges Senior Football by J. A. Walshe
The MacRory Cup – The Story of Ulster Colleges Senior Football is a definitive specimen of Irish sporting archiving. Published by the GAA in 2014, J.A. Walshe’s exhaustive 416-page narrative chronicles nearly a century of the most prestigious provincial schools title in Ireland. Emerging from 1916 inter-seminary games and evolving into a springboard for future inter-county legends, the competition's history is captured here with riveting detail. From the inaugural victory of St Patrick’s, Armagh, to the modern era of Maghera dominance, this volume serves as a vital scholarly resource and a celebratory record of Ulster’s unique footballing heritage.
Exhaustive Research
Features previously hidden details regarding the pursuit of the title, its leading personalities, and the Hogan Cup All-Ireland progress.
Roll of Honour
Includes a complete historical register of winning teams and winning captains, making it an essential reference for GAA stalwarts.
Interprovincial Insight
Tells the story of the Colleges’ Interprovincial Championship (1927–1956) for the very first time in print.
First Edition
A substantial, heavyweight hardcover first edition pressing that retains significant shelf presence and structural integrity.
The Archival Spine of Ulster Schools GAA
While regional sports books are common, few possess the rigorous historical depth provided by J.A. Walshe, a former history teacher and MacNamee Award winner. This book commands its value through its rarity and its status as the only comprehensive history of the MacRory Cup. For alumni of St Macartan’s, St Malachy’s, or St Patrick’s, or for the serious archivist of Irish social history, this volume provides a tactile connection to the exhilarating rivalries that have defined the Ulster sporting landscape since 1924. Finding a clean first edition survivor from the 2014 limited run represents a significant completeness premium in the sports book market.
Visual & Structural State
This is a very rare book in clean, very good condition. It shows only light signs of shelf wear to the outer boards, consistent with its weight and size. The internal pages are remarkably clean and free from marginalia or highlighting. I have aimed to capture every angle to best show off the condition—please refer to the high-resolution gallery for the front cover, spine, back, and detail shots of the internal contents. I am happy to provide more images upon request.
- 1. The Armagh Match - The Monaghan Match
- 2. The MacRory Cup Competition Begins
- 3. Monaghan, Mary's and Cavan Dominance
- 4. Macartan's to Malachy's and Hogan Success
- 5. Tragedy and Triumphant Newry
- 6. New Teams, New Cups, Old Controversies
- 7. Promotions, Presentations and Retirements
- 8. Maghera Domination
- 9. Dungannon come in from the cold
- 10. Expansion, Development and Legends
| Author | J. A. Walshe |
| Title | The MacRory Cup Story |
| Publisher | GAA (Ulster Colleges Council) |
| Publication Year | 2014 (1st Edition) |
| Page Count | 416 Pages |
| Binding | Hardcover Collector's Edition |