A Free Presbyterian minister hit out at the naming of the Sam Maguire cup while Armagh were on their way to winning their second All-Ireland title.
At an Orange service held at the Mourne Free Presbyterian Church in Kilkeel, Co Down on Sunday, the Reverend Ron Johnson said the trophy was named after an “IRA terrorist.” A video clip of the Reverend’s sermon was shared on social media by TUV councillor Ron McDowell.
Speaking in front of a full hall of Orange Order members during the service, which was live streamed on the church’s social media accounts, Rev Johnson said it was “sad” that the trophy for the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship was named after an “IRA terrorist.”
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“Isn’t it sad by the way, I can’t help thinking it, we’re thinking about memorials,” the minister said.
“Today, well if you follow the news, if you believe everything you read in the news and I hope you don’t believe everything you read in the news or hear.
“But you’d think everybody in Northern Ireland is captivated to get a memorial cup taking place at this very moment.
“Who’s that cup to? Sam Maguire, an IRA terrorist. That’s who Sam Maguire was. Joined the civil service in England but he’s working for the IRA.”
Rev Johnson goes on to suggest many historians believe Maguire, thought to be Michael Collins’ Chief Intelligence Officer in London during the War of Independence, was involved in the murder of British Army officer and unionist politician Henry Wilson in 1923.
Maguire was a prominent member of the GAA in London and after his death in 1927 from tuberculosis, the organisation attached his name to the new cup being presented to the winners of the All-Ireland the year after, and since then it has been synonymous with the GAA community.
The reverend goes on to call the GAA a “so-called sports” and condemn the naming of a youth GAA tournament in Belfast after veteran republican Joe Cahill.
“Isn’t it sad, naming a cup of a so-called sports after a terrorist? I’ve just heard today, my son was telling me. There’s a new cup in Belfast for GAA. Joe Cahill Cup, so you can’t say that was 100 years ago. Joe Cahill lived in my day, a Provisional IRA commander.
“Isn’t it sad? Well our monuments aren’t like that. Our monuments are to the Lord and to men who are true heroes. And women, thank God for that.”
