Rare Kilkenny hurling medal among treasure trove in upcoming auction

Kilkenny hurling memorabilia, including rare programmes and medals, will go under the hammer at a local auction.

The event, hosted by Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers, will see rare books and collectors’ items including rare books, manuscripts, photographs, modern and limited signed editions, maps and coins.

Sport also plays a big part in the auction, with items from many different fields, such as programmes and autographed items, including a pair of cast Puma match worn boots signed by Manchester United legend George Best.

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However, Kilkenny hurling fans will have their eyes firmly fixed on a number of specific items. One sure to gain a lot of interest is Lot 707, a 9ct gold medal from the 1916 county hurling final between Mooncoin and Tullaroan, with the inscription ‘Co Kilkenny Championship 1916-17-18, won by Moondharrig (Mooncoin) SHC’.

The medal, and the match, are unusual in that the game (and subsequent replay) was combined with the 1917 and 1918 championships.

The first game, which was played in Knocktopher in front of a crowd of over 5,000 people, saw the sides finish all square on 4-1 apiece.

The replay, which was also played in Knocktopher, drew another bumper crowd present to see ‘hurling par excellence by the best exponents in the county’.

Mooncoin, who were described as having undergone a rigorous training programme in preparation for the replay, and led by 3-1 to 0-3 at half-time. A revival, led by Dick Grace, saw Tullaroan fight their way back in the second half but Mooncoin, captained by Eddie Doyle, managed to keep their rivals scoreless in the last 15 minutes to win by 5-2 to 2-3. The medal has been given an auction estimate of between €800 and €1,200.

Thunder and Lightning

Other lots include a prototype of the Liam MacCarthy Cup. The silver cup was made by jeweller Edmund Johnston after Liam MacCarthy offered to commission a trophy for presentation to the winners of the All-Ireland senior hurling championship.

Another item which is sure to have plenty of local interest is a programme from the 1939 All-Ireland hurling final between Kilkenny and Cork. The game is better known as the Thunder and Lightning final, as the second half was played in heavy downpours, with several spells of thunder and lightning crashing on Croke Park. Kilkenny won the day, beating a Cork team captained by future Taoiseach Jack Lynch by 2-7 to 3-3.

The rare programme is expected to sell for between €500 and €700. In 2021, a sliotar from the game sold for €750 at a collectors' sale organised by Mealy Auctioneers.

The auction will be held at The Avalon House Hotel in Castlecomer on April 30 and May 1. For more details click here