2021 · Special

Hurling enters the archive with a shirt that celebrates the baptism of its greatest trophy. Launched by Limerick GAA on 7 March 2021, it is the modern replica of the hooped 1921 jersey, worn by the first team ever to receive the Liam MacCarthy Cup, with the county crest in gold and the trophy printed on the sleeve, captioned in Irish.

The story behind it is cinema: with the War of Independence setting the country ablaze, the 1921 final was only played in March 1923, Limerick beating Dublin at Croke Park by 8-5 to 3-2 with four goals from captain Bob McConkey. A hundred years later, the reigning champions wore this replica in the national league, in a year that ended with yet another All-Ireland.

Here at Hoopster, hurling makes its debut through the noblest door there is: the hoops that christened Ireland's most famous trophy.