Liam MacCarthy (1853–1928) was an Irish nationalist and businessman, who was based in London.
Liam was born in Southwark, London, to Irish parents who had emigrated from Ballygarvan, County Cork. He grew up in a close-knit Irish community and was deeply involved in the Irish nationalist movement. Irish was the first language in his house and he grew up speaking fluent Irish. He played Hurling on Clapham Common. When he left school he worked o as a blacksmith's hammerman and as a railwayman.
When he was only 22, he married Alice Padbury. The couple had four sons. He died on 28 September 1928 and was buried at Camberwell Old Cemetery in London.
Liam MacCarthy was an important figure in the GAA in London, serving as the chairman of the London GAA county board for ten years. Ironically Michael Collins and Sam Maguire were also members of the London county board. His contribution to hurling was huge as, along with two of his sons he commissioned the manufacture of the trophy that is still awarded to the winners of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship today. He made this trophy in the form of a mether, which was an ancient Irish drinking cup.
The original Liam MacCarthy Cup was presented in 1923 and was used until 1991 when it was replaced by an exact replica that is still in use. The cup is a symbol of the history and heritage of hurling in Ireland and is highly revered by players and fans alike.
Liam MacCarthy's legacy continues to be celebrated through this iconic trophy, which represents the pinnacle of achievement in the sport of hurling.
Who was Liam McCarthy