We thank Joan Moynihan (née Hickey) , Killarney Road, Millstreet for this very important and interesting feature which relates to the hopeful recovery of her late brother’s Memorial Cup. John’s Wife and Family are especially very hopeful that the treasured Memorial Cup will be located . Tap on the images to enlarge. (S.R.)
Help Us Locate the John F. Hickey Memorial Cup
We are appealing for help to trace the John F. Hickey Memorial Cup, introduced by the Cork Football Association in New York around 1982/83. This cup was later brought to Millstreet by John’s son, John J., and played for among local teams. Millstreet and Newmarket reached the final, and John J. proudly presented the cup to Millstreet captain Conor Sheehan after their victory in 1983 (?). Sadly, the cup has not been seen since. We want to return it to John’s family in New York so his grandchildren can appreciate the legacy of a man who was both a sporting hero and a decorated war veteran.
Who Was John F. Hickey?
Millstreet Roots: John emigrated to New York in 1963 at age 19. Before leaving, he played juvenile and minor football with Millstreet and was part of the Under-14 team that won the county championship in 1957. That team photo appears in The Millstreet Green and Gold Book (pg. 112), published by Jim Cronin in the 1970s.
Life in New York: A passionate sports fan, John was a regular at Gaelic Park and played with the Cork Football Club soon after arriving.
Military Service: Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966, John served until 1968. After a year of training at Fort Riley, Kansas, he completed a 12-month tour in South Vietnam at Bear Cat Military Camp. For his bravery, he received the Army Commendation Medal, citing his initiative, courage, and devotion to duty.
After Service: John returned to New York and worked in electronics and refrigeration until his untimely death at age 38 from leukaemia—an illness some believe was linked to toxins in Vietnam. His passing deeply affected his wife Anne (from Kildysart, Co. Clare) and their three young children: John, Colleen, and Brian.
Honouring His Memory
John’s funeral in Millstreet reflected his dual identity as an Irish sportsman and an American veteran. His coffin was draped with the U.S. flag and a Millstreet jersey, under an honour guard of the American Legion and former football colleagues. A plaque from the U.S. Army stands over his grave today, alongside a flag, in the shadow of Claragh Mountain—his beloved childhood landmark.
If you have any information about the whereabouts of the John F. Hickey Memorial Cup, please contact us here at millstreetmuseum @gmail.com or share this message. Let’s bring this piece of history back to his family.
