The definitive chronicle of Ulster's most prestigious schoolboy football competition—a 416-page collector's edition hardcover from 2014 in exceptional condition.
The MacRory Cup: The Story of Ulster Colleges Senior Football by J.A. Walshe is the authoritative historical record of one of Ireland's most celebrated inter-school competitions. Published by the GAA in 2014, this first edition captures nearly a century of Ulster schoolboy football heritage, from the competition's origins in inter-seminary games in 1916 through to the modern era of established dynasties.
Walshe, a former history teacher and MacNamee Award winner, brings scholarly rigour and insider knowledge to this 416-page narrative. The book traces the evolution of the MacRory Cup from its roots to become the springboard for inter-county legends, recording the triumphs of St Patrick's Armagh, the dominance of Monaghan schools, the rise of Macartan's and Malachy's, and the sustained excellence of Maghera. For the first time in print, it documents the Colleges' Interprovincial Championship (1927–1956)—previously untold history.
The volume opens with introductory context and progresses through ten distinct chapters, each examining a pivotal era. A complete roll of honour lists all winning teams and captains, making this an essential reference work. The hardcover binding is substantial and heavyweight, befitting the book's heft and archive value.
Why This Book?
Unique Historical Record
Only comprehensive published history of the MacRory Cup. Walshe's research and insider credentials deliver unmatched depth for sports archivists and GAA scholars.
Complete Roll of Honour
Includes a full historical register of winning teams and captains across the competition's span—essential for collectors and alumni.
First Edition Limited Run
2014 GAA first edition from a limited press run. Clean survivors like this example command significant collector premiums in the sports book market.
Interprovincial Insight
Tells the story of the Colleges' Interprovincial Championship (1927–1956) in published form for the first time—a major archival contribution.
The Chapters
Chapter 1
The Armagh Match – The Monaghan Match
Chapter 2
The MacRory Cup Competition Begins
Chapter 3
Monaghan, Mary's and Cavan Dominance
Chapter 4
Macartan's to Malachy's and Hogan Success
Chapter 5
Tragedy and Triumphant Newry
Chapter 6
New Teams, New Cups, Old Controversies
Chapter 7
Promotions, Presentations and Retirements
Chapter 8
Maghera Domination
Chapter 9
Dungannon come in from the cold
Chapter 10
Expansion, Development and Legends
Specifications
| Author | J. A. Walshe |
|---|---|
| Title | The MacRory Cup – The Story of Ulster Colleges Senior Football |
| Publisher | GAA (Ulster Colleges Council) |
| Edition | First Edition |
| Publication Year | 2014 |
| Page Count | 416 pages |
| Format | Hardcover |
| Binding Style | Collector's Edition hardcover |
| Language | English |
| Country of Origin | Ireland |
| Weight | 43 oz (approx. 1.2 kg) |
| Topic | Irish schoolboy football, GAA history, sports archive |
Condition Report
Excellent Pre-Owned Condition
This first edition displays only light shelf wear to the outer boards, consistent with its substantial weight and size. The spine is intact and legible. All internal pages are remarkably clean and free from marginalia, highlighting, creasing, or foxing. The binding remains firm and fully functional. No loose pages, detached sections, or structural defects. The cover colours (black and gold) retain their depth and vibrancy. This is a display-ready, archive-quality example. Please examine the full photo gallery for close-up views of the cover, spine, and interior page quality.