The initial Jack Daly Cup was donated by Éire Óg clubman: John A (Jack) Daly in 1969 during his second term as Chairman of the Clare County Board.  Jack Daly and the Daly family have been associated with the Éire Óg Club for longer than one can remember with Jack himself lining out at full forward in the Éire Óg County Final win over Whitegate in 1957. Jack went on to become one of the youngest County Board Chairman’s in 1963 while still in his mid-20's at a time of great innovation for the GAA when Jack was front and centre. 
 
Jack was hugely supportive of Clare football and his willingness to donate a Cup for the Senior Football Championship in 1969 and subsequent replacement of the cup in 1979 is testament to this. The significance and traditions associated with the Jack Daly Cup within Clare Senior Football circles cannot be overstated. The Clare Senior Football Championship is seldom referred to as anything other than the 'Jack Daly'. Following Jack's passing in June 2020, the sitting Clare GAA County Board Chairman when remembering Jack was quoted as saying ''In a time of great change of a new emerging Ireland of the 1960's, Jack Daly was a leader. He will be forever remembered in Clare for his donation of the famous Jack Daly Cup which is highly prized by all Clare Football sides''. 
 
Jack’s nephew, Shane, in his generous presentation of the replacement Jack Daly cup on behalf of the Daly family will ensure that the Jack Daly remains the most sought after symbol of success in Clare Football.
 
Pictured is Shane Daly presenting the cup to Clare County Board Chair, Kieran Keating and Paddy Smyth-Éire Óg & Planning and Training Officer of the County Board at half time in the Senior Football semi final game between Éire Óg and Ennistymon on Sunday October 13th 2024.

Photo credit: Gerry O'Neill