Has there ever been a week so sublime, so glorious?
No, no there has not.
There is so much still to absorb, but below, I’ve tried to distil all the feelings down to five little words. And a few more.
Vindication
… or is it validation? We knew all along that we were perceived as stone mad, a bit deluded. We were fine with that. We had to be. What choice did we have? But outside the county, our fanaticism as we “went again” would often be greeted with the roll of an eye or a sneer or a jeer.
But Has there ever been a week so sublime, so glorious?
No, no there has not.
There is so much still to absorb, but below, I’ve tried to distil all the feelings down to five little words. And a few more.
now people understand the mania. They understand what it meant, and that while we are absolutely nuts about football here in Mayo, that this was always about so much more. It was about identity. Persistence. Resilience. Ownership of our own story.
The hard days weren’t “worth it”, but without them, it would never have felt quite so good.
To see and hear so many people around the country and beyond, and in particular, to witness so many members of the national media – among them the most hardened of hacks – almost moved to tears by Mayo’s win, marvelling at the wonder of it all was something I didn’t expect. How strange and marvellous a feeling.
And we haven’t felt the need to clap back at the naysayers, nor the most poisonous of scribes. No “What do you think of that” retorts. None of that matters. We have better things for doing. Like watching the game back for the nineteenth time.
Pride
How did Jack Coyne manage to nail it so perfectly in his speech? “Stick your chest out and be proud to be from Mayo” is the blessing, the command we have craved for decades, roared from the heavens of the Hogan Stand to a willing audience around the world.
We were always proud. But now?
Now, we carry ourselves differently. We had already proved the strength of our spirit, and resilience countless times, but now we have proved our mettle, our bottle, our worth.
And without being obnoxious – please, let us never, ever become obnoxious – we will forever walk taller as a result of last Sunday.
Everything has changed, fundamentally, for the better.
Joy
Such a tiny word, to encapsulate such a huge feeling. A week on, I can physically feel it in my heart, and am still welling up on the daily at the memory, or at tiny reminders of big moments, To feel such collective, unrestricted, unconditional, unsullied joy in the world we now inhabit is nothing short of a modern-day miracle.
And to feel it at such an intense level, for such a sustained period of time feels almost undeserved.
There was an innocence and a wholesomeness about it that will never be replicated, and in this modern era of cynicism and manufactured outrage, the brilliance of its light has dimmed everything else. Pure escapism, happiness in its purest form, and we got to feel it all.
Mayo people around the world were always bound by our disappointments. Now, we will forever be bound together by joy.
And with the joy has come craic, heaps and heaps of it. From the brilliant jubilant tuneless singing and terrible dancing on homecoming stages, to swinging out of trees in Belmullet to raving on the streets in Westport to beeping around the town of the Castlebar, has ever a county had so much fun?
A special shout out to the young people of the county for embracing the madness all year, for unapologetically taking the reins and leading the support for the team, and for sharing their antics on the Hill and on the streets on TikTok so we old fogies can enjoy it too.
How did we get so lucky?
Unity
It’s early days yet, of course, but seeing the county united in celebration and happiness has been a joy in itself. Over the last week, wading through all the reaction online and off, not a single negative remark is evident. Unprecedented. The traditional Mayo infighting is absent, for now at least. As Nigel Reape famously said on the Final Whistle Pod, the club championship is f*cked, because we all love each other now. But with at least 75,000 people expected at Round 1 next weekend, those ould debts will paid off in no time.
It’ll inevitably turn, but for now, peace reigns.
Speaking of peace ….
The demons are slain. The ghosts of Septembers past can now rest easy. There is no more pain, no more agony, no more longing. No what-ifs, if-onlys or will-we-evers. All consigned to history, melted into sweet oblivion.
At long last, our hearts can be at peace.
Nephin says:
August 3, 2026 at 5:41 pm
That’s a fantastic piece Ann-Marie. You speak for each and everyone of us.
JP says:
August 3, 2026 at 5:45 pm
I always thought I'd go off the charts mad. Actually I was just simply very content and that's great.
Finding Sam says:
August 3, 2026 at 8:00 pm
Nice one Anne-Marie and I really like the ‘yew turn’ title. It’s been a crazy week and I’m still struggling to get my head around the fact that we have actually won the All Ireland. As others have posted the win changes everything about Mayo football and for us as supporters. Boyler said in an interview after the game that the story of Mayo football was all about the past but it now becomes about the future.
JoeG says:
August 3, 2026 at 8:19 pm
I don't think I'll ever tire of watching that game again and again. In fact I will probably watch it at least once a week for the rest of my life or until we win it again. Whichever comes first.
Anne-Marie you have a lovely way with words and this was certainly an occasion to wax lyrical. Smashing piece.
Mind the House says:
August 3, 2026 at 8:35 pm
For all those who have just about stopped crying listen to RTEs radio coverage of the game. The second half especially I've never heard noise like it.
Every chance you'll be back in tears again..
Mayo Forever says:
August 3, 2026 at 8:42 pm
Correct, the thing we'll all think of from now is the future not the past. Already looking forward to next years championship. Dublin apart, Mayo have got to more all Ireland finals than any other county in last 15 years. Dublins outfit for most of that period were generationally good so in part that explains our not winning any of those relatively recent All Irelands. If Mayo keep ambitious and now with the historical baggage wiped out, they'll be in a far better place than before. 2 or 3 or 4 all Irelands per decade could realistically become the norm from now on. Imagine young lads and the enthusiasm last Sundays win will have given them so our standards will surely improve. You just need to look at the first time winners like Derry, Donegal, Tyrone, Armagh, once they won their first in the 90s and 00s they ve been constanly serious contenders most years since. No reason Mayos overall quality wont improve and we be serious contenders from now on. Cant overestimate whats possible in years ahead
Mayo Forever says:
August 3, 2026 at 8:46 pm
Correct Finding Sam, the thing we'll all think of from now is the future not the past. Already looking forward to next years championship. Dublin apart, Mayo have got to more all Ireland finals than any other county in last 15 years. Dublins outfit for most of that period were generationally good so in part that explains our not winning any of those relatively recent All Irelands. If Mayo keep ambitious and now with the historical baggage wiped out, they'll be in a far better place than before. 2 or 3 or 4 all Irelands per decade could realistically become the norm from now on. Imagine young lads and the enthusiasm last Sundays win will have given them so our standards will surely improve. You just need to look at the first time winners like Derry, Donegal, Tyrone, Armagh, once they won their first in the 90s and 00s they ve been constanly serious contenders most years since. No reason Mayos overall quality wont improve and we be very serious contenders from now on. Cant overestimate whats possible in years ahead.
InExile says:
August 4, 2026 at 8:52 am
I feel a bit like JP, 'content'. We had great Mayo teams and performances in the past but non Mayo people always have the last word 'we hear all that but ye never got over the line'. We have silenced that conversation now and it adds to the credibility of our pervious great teams and performances.
Moy2Pointer says:
August 4, 2026 at 9:07 am
What a week it’s all been one big blur since the previous Sunday. I was out four times in seven nights, and I don’t think I’d been out four times in the previous seven months! Everyone was in such great spirits over the weekend, and the buzz was unreal. What a lift it’s given the whole county.
DavyJ says:
August 4, 2026 at 9:39 am
Mind the House - I've been trying to get hold of the RTE radio 1 commentary online with no success. Is there a podcast of that radio broadcast available anywhere?
My wife thinks I've lost my mind. I've watched the game back on RTE TV, on BBC, Sunday Game highlights, Monday's nine o'clock news.... I've bought every newspaper I can find... listened to every podcast that so much as mentions the game... I even found myself watching the YouTube recording of the Radio Kerry commentary!
Just a thought says:
August 4, 2026 at 9:49 am
Davy - how can you watch it back on bbc?
Justoutsideballagh says:
August 4, 2026 at 9:52 am
The last week has flown by and Social Media is a joy with all the amazing clips of the celebrations and the Match. Midwest Radio have done an incredible job not to mention everyone on the blog. Watching the match again, I was so impressed by Jack Carney. What a performance and he can enter next season 10 feet tall. Every one of the team stood up and performed and our subs came on at the right time and brought Sam home. RTE Palyer will have some amount of hits watching that game again. Oh the sheer joy of it all!
It Means Nothing to Me says:
August 4, 2026 at 9:59 am
Tbh winning Sam finally felt different for myself than I expected, less jubilation and more relief and quiet pride that we are finally back where we belong as a football county.
It's a great time for gaelic games in the West in general: All-Ireland senior football champions, All-Ireland ladies' champions at senior and intermediate, possibly camogie champions by the weekend, All-Ireland 40x20 ladies' handball champion also hails from the west.
Ahh not again says:
August 4, 2026 at 10:01 am
Trying to get back to normal now, not sure what next season will be like, uncharted territory now, but think we will be competitive for sure and hopefully do it again over the next few years
Anne-Marie says:
August 4, 2026 at 10:03 am
Delighted to report I finally have my voice back, nine days later.
JoeT1480 says:
August 4, 2026 at 10:23 am
Davy J
Here is a link to RTE Radio 1 and their coverage of The Game.
Pauric Lodge and Paul Flynn in commentary.
It's very good!! 😊
https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/sunday-sport/episodes/11808919/
DavyJ says:
August 4, 2026 at 10:56 am
Just a thought - I phrased that badly - apologies - I had recorded it on both channels so I'm rewatching a recording.
It's up on the iPlayer though. Not available to us - officially, anyway.... ;o)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002zplj
JoeT1480 - that's fantastic, thanks a million. That'll shorten the walk later today!
Jr says:
August 4, 2026 at 12:49 pm
I watched all the games back since the Roscommon game.
What a journey.
It took great courage to change the team after Roscommon and great leadership to get the entire panel to buy in--reference Aiden gearing all up before the Cork game.
We brought the tackle to a complete new level.
We just went with Jordan as an extra midfielder with the others hunting for breaking ball and helping in defense.
We made the right switches at the right time.
Putting McGreal on Paudie was curve ball Kerry would be proud of.
Andy's performance in the press conference after the semi final took the pressure of the team.
Lastly our loyal supporters, Murphy wrongly got a free out when tackled early in the first half and the reaction of the crowd definitely had an influence on decisions going forward.
My God just how fit were Mayo,a credit to all involved
mayotillidie says:
August 4, 2026 at 12:49 pm
The win, the most brilliant feeling, so deserved on day, we were 10 points better than them on day. But dont care at moment, but winning numerous all Irelands per decade, not sure realistic, without some fundamental changes to how we coach at club, we haven't won a Connacht club in how many years, u20 an rarity, and minor less frequent than u20. So while we won and rightly so, need to change this while good will behind mayo football. Tyrone a county I copy if you wanted a template, or Clare in hurling always strikes me as well run county. I think Andy can help in setting up, what needed, to leave Mayo in better place after this all-ireland, that we win more in future. But today just happy
2 hops says:
August 4, 2026 at 1:24 pm
It seems like we might be putting some fundamentals in place as I saw several machines working away on our proposed coe in Bohola yesterday (bank holiday) so no time being wasted there anyway it appears.
Moy2Pointer says:
August 4, 2026 at 4:29 pm
I see Kobe is expected to land in Australia on Thursday, as confirmed by John Fogarty in the Examiner.
Best of luck to him and his family in the next chapter of his career. Even if he never plays for us again, he will always be remembered in Mayo folklore as a true legend. Thank you, Kobe, and thank you to the McDonald family. We will be forever grateful for what you have done for us as Mayo GAA fans.
InExile says:
August 4, 2026 at 4:40 pm
@Moy2 I agree best of luck to Kobe but I also wanted to say a word of thanks to the older lads in the squad, Those who stick with it or came back to answer Andy's call. Some maybe didn't get a lot of game time this year but their presence and inputs were immense in a young squad. I am delighted for those great servants of Mayo football for their massive effort over the years and now they have an All Ireland medal in their back pockets.
Pebblesmeller says:
August 4, 2026 at 4:58 pm
A beautiful piece Anne Marie, really excellent.
Tubberman says:
August 4, 2026 at 6:23 pm
Great piece Anne Marie.
I've started trying to sum up my thoughts a few times, but I still can't get it into words without rambling forever.
It's just been the most amazing week, not how I expected - I always imagined the initial esctacy, but this is a long-lasting high that hasn't shown signs of stopping yet. Maybe it's a permanent change to the Mayo psyche ;)
High or low - it’s Willie Joe! says:
August 4, 2026 at 7:10 pm
Some lovely alternative camera angles and clips here (just can’t get enough of this!).
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk7MMiJ34iw&t=3s&pp=2AEDkAIB
Tedtoal says:
August 4, 2026 at 7:21 pm
Wonder as kobe only on st kilda development squad will they release him in summer to play for mayo
Achill75 says:
August 4, 2026 at 9:38 pm
Whats the story with fundraising for the centre excellence surely this is the time to get supporters to contribute, are CB still plowing through with Foxford.Just looking at the homecomings in the last week can they not see how hard this county is to cover geographically. Why not develop 4 smaller schools of excellence in each board or help secondary schools develop better S and C gyms like they have in the North like Maghera and Omagh and tge Sem in Killarney.ROD spoke with Thomas Niblock of how hard it was when he was younger getting lifts to and from Castlebar.
His performance alone deserves a small COE or state of the art Strength and Conditioning gym for the Erris region.Mayo owes ROD and Erris that after Sunday week.He surpasses Lee, McD and Cillian in that performance in the All Ireland Final last Sunday.Our best ever.
Aidan says:
August 4, 2026 at 11:06 pm
It’s just is the most magical time to be a Mayo supporter.
Take out the Roscommon game the turning point for me was Tyrone away.
It’s being a fantastic year never in the wildest dreams did we think we reach the holy grail this year .
Credit due to players, management, county board and supporters .
Can we go again and win next year why not.
And hopefully we pull in the dollars now also to fund some current and future projects.strike while the iron is hot.
2 hops says:
August 5, 2026 at 7:28 am
This recent few weeks should definitely make Rory's job to gather a few bob together much easier... the goodwill is out there. We need to tap in to it and try get that bloody debt wiped so as we can concentrate on our underage structure and facilities.
PortMayo says:
August 5, 2026 at 9:33 am
I am at peace with Croke Park now too, our Dublin office has a great view of that magical cauldron. I catch myself staring at it multiple times every day and wondering. For 14 years it's been conflicting thoughts but yesterday, my first day back, it was only happy thoughts. The chest was out and I was filled with pride.
Remember26 says:
August 6, 2026 at 10:15 pm
So happy.
Day 11 and no sign of the feeling going away.
What is the feeling?
Pride, Relief, Joy, Contentment, Magical, At my ease.
Bród, Faoiseamh, Áthas, Sásta, Draíochtúil, Ar mo Shuaimhneas.
Bottle it and keep forever more.
Forever more.