Dohenys to honour Sam Maguire with three-day centenary programme

Dohenys GAA Club has unveiled plans for a major three-day programme of events to mark the centenary of the death of Sam Maguire, the Dunmanway native whose name is forever linked with Gaelic football's most coveted prize.

The commemorative weekend will take place from February 5-7, 2027, and is expected to attract visitors from across Ireland and overseas to celebrate the life and legacy of one of the most influential figures in GAA history.

Organised by the Sam Maguire Commemorations Sub-Committee of Dohenys GAA Club, the programme has received the support of the GAA's National History and Commemorations Committee and will be attended by GAA president Jarlath Burns.

Among the key events planned is the unveiling of a specially commissioned bronze bust of Maguire, creating a permanent tribute to one of West Cork's most distinguished sporting figures.

A new heritage attraction, the Sam Maguire Walkway, will also be officially opened during the weekend. The walkway, situated around the perimeter of Sam Maguire Park, has been designed to celebrate and preserve the story of the Dunmanway man and his connection to the area.

History and heritage will feature prominently throughout the celebrations, with a major symposium bringing together historians, authors and GAA scholars to examine Maguire's life, times and lasting influence on Gaelic games.

There will also be a commemorative football fixture between representative teams from Cork and London GAA, recognising Maguire's strong association with both regions and the important role he played in promoting Gaelic games among Irish communities abroad.

An ecumenical service and wreath-laying ceremony will honour his life and legacy, while heritage tours and commemorative events at locations associated with Maguire will form part of the packed programme.

Launching the programme, Dohenys chairman Mark Farr said the centenary offered an opportunity to honour a figure whose impact on the GAA remains unparalleled almost a century after his death.

"As we mark the centenary of Sam Maguire's passing, Dohenys GAA Club is proud to honour the legacy of a native son of Dunmanway whose name has become synonymous with Gaelic football and Irish sporting heritage," Farr said.

"His enduring connection to our community remains a source of immense pride and inspiration for generations past, present and future."

GAA president Jarlath Burns also welcomed the initiative and paid tribute to the enduring significance of the man behind the famous trophy.

"Sam Maguire is one of the most significant figures in Irish history and immortalised by the trophy that is arguably the greatest prize in Irish sport," Burns says.

"It was a cup that I chased for 13 years as an Armagh footballer and while it eluded me, I had the pleasure of presenting it to my own son's team in 2024.

"Next February, Sam Maguire's home club, Dohenys in his hometown of Dunmanway, will honour his legacy and also pay tribute to the man behind the cup and commemorate what was truly, a life less ordinary."