The trophy awarded to the winners of the annual International Rules series between Ireland and Australia is to be named after Cormac McAnallen. The renaming of the cup is in memory of the late Tyrone captain who died last March from a rare viral infection of the heart.
McAnallen performed with distinction in GAA and the hybrid code, which will be now be associated with his name.
His successes include winning an All-Ireland medal with Tyrone in 2003.
The GAA had planned to name a medal, presented to the Player of the Series, after the Tyrone hero.
However, it was suggested by the Australians to name the Cup after McAnallen instead.
"We got in touch with the Australians and they said let's go the whole hog and call the Cup after him,'' said GAA President Sean Kelly.
''The idea of the medal came from us, but it was the Australians who suggested having the Cup named after him instead and we thought that was a wonderful gesture.
''It was very much a joint venture between the GAA and the AFL."
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said the choice of McAnallen was a natural one.
"Earlier this year, when we heard of the tragic news about Cormac, we were absolutely shocked and could think of nobody better to epitomise and symbolise the importance of this Cup."
The 24-year-old Armagh-based teacher was in many people's eyes the perfect role model for an athlete.
The highly-regarded Eglish man was appointed captain of the senior Tyrone team just a few weeks before his tragic death and led them to Dr McKenna Cup success.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
