Waterford Crystal Trophy

The trophy is a one-of-a-kind piece that was designed, manufactured and donated by the good people of Waterford Crystal in Ireland.  After graduating from UD, Mike (Denny), Jon, Tom & Peter made good on a freshman year, late night promise to travel to Ireland.  The foursome traveled around Ireland including a stop in Waterford.  It surely was a trip to remember.

After the tragic bombing of Pan Am 103, the Outing Committee thought it would be nice to have a trophy that we could use annually.  We wanted to stay with an Irish theme so a letter was sent to the Waterford Crystal Company in Ireland telling them what happened to Mike, his love of St. Patrick's Day, his family and attendance at a Catholic University.  Our highest hopes were to acquire a small bowl that could be used as a trophy.  Much to our surprise, they not only agreed to send something but, based on the comments in the letter, Waterford designed the unique trophy.

The four-sided base has 270 stars cut into it; each representing a life lost in the bombing.  The top represents the eternal flame theme and etched in incredible detail is the dove of peace with an olive branch in its beak.  Over the left wing of the dove is a peace sign with a plane in the center representing the ill-fated flight.  Entwined in the peace sign are shamrocks that represents Mike's Irish heritage.  Overall, it stands about two feet high and weighs about 20 pounds.

At the 2014 outing, the flame portion of the trophy broke off from the base.  The trophy was returned to Waterford in Ireland to be reattached and now it is good as new!    It certainly is a work of art conceived out of love and peace and artfully designed by the world-renowned craftsmen.  Please join us in rekindling past friendships and celebrating Mike's spirit and legacy at the annual golf outing.