FAMILY

The amazing story of five Tom Markhams and one of the most coveted trophies in Irish sport

- David COUGHLAN

TOM Markham is making his way up the steps of the Cusack Stand.

The two-year-old has just escaped from a photo with his grandad Tom Markham and his dad Tom Markham and the Tom Markham Cup - all pictured together for the very first time.

"It's a special moment for us," says grandad Tom (or Tom III) as he heads after the youngest.

This is the story of five Tom Markhams and a trophy that's played for the Electric Ireland GAA Football All-Ireland Minor Championship every year.

The first was as a gunrunner and spy for Michael Collins, the second played for the Dublin minors for five years, the third played with some of the biggest names in Irish sport, the fourth works with some of the biggest names in soccer, film and video games.

The fifth? Well, he's just getting going... But let's start with the trophy.

Tomorrow Kerry and Tyrone meet in Newbridge in the 2025 minor decider. The winner will collect the Tom Markham Cup.

It has passed through some famous hands - from future All Stars to TV presenters and movie stars with everyone from Sean Cavanagh and David Clifford to Paddy Kielty lifting it down the years.

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe was even pictured with the cup after partying with the 2012 victorious Dublin minor team.

But there was little contact between the Markham family and the trophy for decades.

"I was invited to the Roscommon celebration dinner in 2006," says Tom III.

"And that happened by accident really. I just happened to meet a Roscommon man on a building site and he contacted the Roscommon PRO.

"It was an amazing night. They put myself and my wife Deirdre at a table with the only living survivors from the last Roscommon minor team that won the All-Ireland in the early 1950s.

"These men were all in their 80s by then and they were seriously emotional.

"They were all wearing their medals pinned to their lapels and it was such a memorable night.