Notre Dame Football’s Rivalry Trophies

Nov 21, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver William Fuller (7) runs after the catch while wide receiver Torii Hunter Jr. (16) blocks as Boston College Eagles defensive back John Johnson (9) defends in the third quarter at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Frank Leahy Memorial Bowl & The Ireland Trophy / Boston College

This is the only rivalry game in existence, that I have heard of, that contains two trophies to the winner. The one depicted on the top right is called The Ireland Trophy. It was created by the Notre Dame Student Government as a sign of goodwill and sportsmanship (It isn’t really recognized by the Football program). The second is called The Frank Leahy Memorial Bowl.

This second trophy gives this game one of its unofficial names- The Leahy Bowl. (The game is also known as “The Holy War”, “The Vatican Bowl”, & the “Jesuit Invitational”) The Leahy Memorial Bowl is named as such after legendary Notre Dame and Boston College coach Frank Leahy. Frank coached Boston College during the 1939 and 1940 seasons leading the Jesuits to a 20-2 record before getting the call to come back to his alma mater, Notre Dame.

The all-time series is in Notre Dame’s favor at 14-9 after the Irish have struggled with it’s annoying cousin for most of the 2000’s. Now that Boston College is a member of the ACC, Notre Dame won’t play them annually, but the series won’t die.

Next: The Crown Jewel