Shillelagh Trophy

Shillelagh Trophy. The Shillelagh Trophy is a college football award contested annually by the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Navy Midshipmen. First awarded in 1952, it is presented to the winner of the game between the University of Notre Dame and the United States Naval Academy. The trophy symbolizes one of the sport's most enduring and historically significant rivalries, dating back to 1927.

History

The trophy's origins are tied to the deep historical bond between the University of Notre Dame and the United States Naval Academy. The rivalry began in 1927 and was uninterrupted through World War II, a period during which Notre Dame provided substantial support to the Navy's V-12 Navy College Training Program. In gratitude, officers from the USS *Leyte* commissioned the creation of a suitable award for the series. The trophy was first presented following the 1952 contest, a 13–7 victory for the Fighting Irish in Cleveland. The series has been played in numerous iconic venues, including Notre Dame Stadium, Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, and neutral sites like FedExField and Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Design

The trophy is a genuine shillelagh, a traditional Irish walking stick or club made from oak or blackthorn. It is adorned with silver bands and emeralds, reflecting the Irish heritage of Notre Dame. Each game's result is commemorated with a detailed silver plaque attached to the shillelagh; a plaque featuring a leprechaun and the year is added for a Notre Dame victory, while a plaque featuring a goat and the year marks a win for the Navy Midshipmen. The craftsmanship was originally overseen by the USS *Leyte* committee, with subsequent maintenance and plaque additions managed jointly by the two institutions' athletic departments.

Winners

Notre Dame holds a commanding lead in the series for the trophy, which began with the 1952 game. Notable winning streaks include a historic 43-game run by the Fighting Irish from 1964 through 2006. Significant victories for the Midshipmen include wins in 2007, 2009, and 2010, which were celebrated at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The most recent holder as of 2023 is Notre Dame, following a victory in South Bend. The annual game is a highlight of the FBS schedule for both programs.

Traditions

The trophy presentation occurs on the field immediately following the game, typically involving the teams' head coaches, captains, and often a high-ranking officer from the Navy or official from the University of Notre Dame. A longstanding tradition involves the winning team displaying the shillelagh in their locker room and later at their home athletic facility. The rivalry week often includes other ceremonial events, such as joint service academy and Notre Dame band performances. The game itself is frequently televised nationally by networks like NBC or CBS, featuring pregame segments highlighting the history of the series and the USS *Leyte*.

Significance

Beyond its value as a football prize, the trophy represents a profound relationship built on mutual respect and historical circumstance, particularly during World War II. It is a physical symbol of the longest continuous intersectional rivalry in FBS football. The series is noted for its sportsmanship and the unique connection between a Catholic university and a military service academy. The rivalry and its associated award are frequently cited by figures like Roger Staubach and Joe Montana as embodying the core traditions of college football. Its continuity, even during national crises, underscores its unique place in the landscape of American football.

Category:American football trophies and awards Category:Notre Dame Fighting Irish football Category:Navy Midshipmen football Category:College football rivalries in the United States