Words Brian Walsh
As the County Museum, Dundalk celebrates its 30th anniversary, the tripartite principle of collection, memory and legacy has been chosen as the central theme for the year.
The magnificent Cúchulainn Shield is a large, intricately decorated silver and copper shield mounted on a mahogany base. Prominently displayed, it stands at the heart of the museum’s collection, both literally and symbolically.
Made in 1910 by Messrs Hopkins and Hopkins of Dublin’s Sackville Street (now O’Connell Street), who were also the designers of the original Sam Maguire trophy, it is modelled on what is known of the legendary shield of Cúchulainn, the mythological Irish hero known for his supernatural strength, fearlessness and invincibility in battle. More than just a weapon, it symbolised Cúchulainn’s power and prowess. Its connection to the great Irish epic, Táin Bó Cúailnge further entrenches its importance in folklore, as Cúchulainn used it during his defence of Ulster.
The shield is on loan from the County Louth Archaeological and Historical Society, who commissioned it as part of a fundraising effort for repairs and improvements to Dún Dealgan (Castletown Motte), a site some legends claim as the birthplace of Cúchulainn. The site was originally purchased with the intention of it becoming the society’s museum.
The society’s 1910 ‘Report and Statement of Accounts’ on the preservation of Dún Dealgan states: ‘Sir Henry Bellingham has presented a beautiful Challenge Shield of beaten silver and copper to the County Louth Gaelic Athletic Association for competition… The shield was named after Cúchulainn, and the proceeds from the matches are to go to the credit of the Dún Dealgan Fund.’
From 1914 onwards, the shield became a trophy for school choirs at Feis Mhuirtheimhne, continuing until the 1980s. It was then retrieved by the society from Redeemer Girls School, presumably the last winner of the choir competition.
This splendid artefact holds great significance, as it played a pivotal role in the development of a county museum for Louth. The Dún Dealgan site was damaged during the revolutionary period and burned down in 1921. Any surviving objects were safeguarded by the society’s members until a new museum was eventually established.
Every element of the shield is deeply tied to the identity of County Louth – its allusions to Cúchulainn, its connection to the Gaelic Athletic Association and its role in Feis Muirtheimhne. If ever there were an artefact truly deserving of display in a museum, this is it. It stands as a testament to the power of collection, memory and legacy, encapsulating not only what we are but who we are.
- ‘The Cúchulainn Shield: The story of Ireland’s legendary hero’ is published in Anthology Volume 22. Read more features from this volume or buy it now.
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