It’s funny how an All-Ireland final week changes a county.
The roads are the same. The grass still needs cutting. The cattle still need minding. The rain still arrives exactly when you don’t want it.
And yet nothing feels ordinary.
For the past seven days, Mayo has been living in that strange space between excitement and expectation. Every conversation has drifted back to Sunday.
Every phone call that was meant to last five minutes somehow became twenty. Every stop for a coffee turned into another discussion about midfield, match-ups and whether the weather might suit us.
The county has almost been holding its breath.
You notice the little things.
The green and red bunting that somehow appears overnight. Jerseys hanging proudly from upstairs windows. Young lads kicking footballs against gable walls pretending they’re Kobe in Croke Park. Older supporters quietly saying they’ve seen it all before… before admitting, almost reluctantly, that this team feels a little bit different.
Maybe that’s the biggest change this week. There’s hope, as there always is. But there’s belief too.
And they’re not quite the same thing.
Hope is what Mayo supporters have packed into cars for generations as they headed for Dublin. Belief has sometimes been harder to carry.
We’ve all lived through enough of these days to know the script.
The excitement of the journey. The sea of green and red pouring down Jones’s Road. The Artane Band. The lump in the throat during Amhrán na bhFiann. The endless calculations about who should be picking up who before a ball is even thrown in.
Then, over the years, came the long drives home. Every Mayo supporter carries those journeys with them.
Everyone remembers where they were in ’89. Or ’96. Or one of the many September Sundays that promised so much before slipping agonisingly away. Every family has their own stories. Every parish has its own memories.
They’re part of who we are. But they’re not who this team is. That’s an important distinction.
This group isn’t carrying 75 years on its shoulders. They’re carrying months of hard work.
They’re carrying the confidence that comes from winning big championship matches and the trust that has been built within the dressing room.
Tomorrow isn’t about history.
It’s not about a 75-year wait. It’s about a 70-minute match.
As the late, great John O’Mahony once said, “Pressure is a privilege.” He’s right.
You only feel pressure because you’ve earned the right to be there. And Mayo have earned it.
Nobody handed this team a place in the All-Ireland final. They’ve battled their way here. They’ve answered questions along the way. They’ve shown resilience when games threatened to drift away and composure when others might have panicked.
That’s the mark of a serious team.
Now Kerry stand in the way. And if you’re going to climb the highest mountain, there probably should be a steep final stretch.
Kerry remain the standard. They always have been. Their history is unmatched. Their jersey carries its own confidence. They arrive expecting to win because generations before them usually did.
But history doesn’t field fifteen players.
Tomorrow morning, there won’t be a single Kerry score on the board because of what Mick O’Dwyer or Pat Spillane achieved. Equally, Mayo won’t concede one because of what happened since 1951.
The scoreboard starts at 0-0 each. That’s all that matters.
One of the nicest things about this week has been watching younger supporters experience an All-Ireland final with fresh eyes.
Kids who know every member of the panel by first name. Teenagers who have never stopped believing because they haven’t yet learned that supporting Mayo can occasionally test every ounce of your patience.
There’s something refreshing about that innocence. Maybe the rest of us could borrow a little of it.
Because somewhere along the way, supporting Mayo became too tied up with fear. Fear of disappointment. Fear of tempting fate. Fear of saying out loud that maybe… just maybe… this could actually happen.
Perhaps it’s time to leave all of that behind.
As Seamus Heaney wrote, “Hope and history rhyme.” For years we’ve quoted those words because they sounded beautiful. Tomorrow offers the chance to make them mean something even more.
Whatever happens, this team has already brought enormous pride to the county. They’ve filled club grounds throughout the spring. They’ve inspired another generation of children to pick up a football. They’ve given every Mayo person—whether in Castlebar, Crossmolina, Claremorris or Chicago—a reason to smile every time someone mentions home.
That’s no small thing.
But sporting teams don’t reach All-Ireland finals simply to collect compliments. They come to win.
This Mayo team won’t walk behind the Artane Band tomorrow thinking about history lessons or newspaper headlines. They’ll walk onto that pitch believing they belong.
And so should we.
There’ll be nerves, of course. There always are. There’ll be moments when every kick-out feels like it lasts an eternity. Moments when nobody breathes as a shot hangs in the air. Moments when Croke Park seems impossibly loud and impossibly silent all at once. That’s what finals are supposed to feel like.
So enjoy every minute of it. The journey up. Meeting familiar faces you only ever seem to meet at Mayo matches. The songs. The colour. The laughter. The nervous predictions that nobody really believes.
These are the days we’ll remember long after the result has faded into history.
But perhaps, just perhaps, tomorrow evening, the conversation on the roads back west will be unlike any we’ve ever had before. Perhaps this will finally be the drive home we’ve all imagined.
Safe travels to everyone heading for Dublin. Roar until there’s nothing left in the tank.
Believe.
Because if this Mayo team has taught us anything over the last number of months, it’s that they’re not interested in carrying the weight of yesterday.
They’re chasing tomorrow.
And tomorrow has never looked more inviting.
Ontheroad13 says:
July 25, 2026 at 1:51 pm
So so important that the supporters are like a 16th man tomorrow even winning a dirty breaking ball has to be cheered for. Let's go Mayo.
Revellino says:
July 25, 2026 at 2:14 pm
The first move has to come from the team.
The teams good play will invigorate the crowd and drive them wild.
Not disagreeing with anyone, but this game has to be won on the pitch.
The team has to give the fans the reason to cheer and these cheers will then hopefully keep the lads up to the task.
I hope most focus in prep has been on the first 25 or 30 minutes. If we're hanging tough after the half hour mark, that is when we will start asking serious questions off Kerry.
I don't see us failing on fitness. Just keep with them. Toe to toe, and only two things can happen.
Kerry start losing belief and
Mayo will grow in confidence.
If Kerry have not proven their superiority by the early stages in the second half, then, and only then are we in with a Golden chance of lifting Sam.
Everest is the highest mountain in the world and P o'hora climbed that. No disrespect, but P would not make this Mayo team.
Everest is conquered.
The Sky is the limit.
Tall Majestic Hills says:
July 25, 2026 at 3:20 pm
"Seventy-five years of heartbreak have brought us to one moment. Tomorrow, we stand on the cusp of immortality."
Martin W says:
July 25, 2026 at 3:46 pm
Great piece.
Any one off to the party tomorrow night? Where is it and are there tickets?
Never Give Up says:
July 25, 2026 at 5:09 pm
We walk into Croke Park tomorrow with hope in our hearts, together with tens of thousands from Maigh Eo who are connected in spirit to our hundreds of thousands across the globe and we will roar for them as well. No one gives us a chance except ourselves. We have a hungry and dangerous team and it will be beyond special to win it on Reek Sunday. Enjoy the day
Nephin says:
July 25, 2026 at 5:53 pm
I think I could listen to Nigel Reape all day. I think he has fantastic knowledge of the game. He really has me believing something special is about to happen. The nerves are really kicking in now.
yew_tree says:
July 25, 2026 at 6:03 pm
All Mayo fans will no doubt play our part tomorrow. Be loud and proud. I saw a quote on a reel during the week which struck a cord and I think sums up Mayo players and fans alike and we have it in abundance:
It’s the greatest thing in the world, natural enthusiasm. You are nothing without it.”
— Bill Shankly
InExile says:
July 25, 2026 at 6:52 pm
Tomorrow we fans need to be the 16th player on the field and extra official on sideline.
Finding Sam says:
July 25, 2026 at 7:15 pm
Great stuff from Mike as usual. The week of the build up to an All Ireland final really is unique and we are so lucky to be able to experience it again this year. The very best of luck to the Mayo players and management team tomorrow. Nobody outside the county is giving us a chance against Kerry but that suits us just fine. We are at our best when we are belittled and disrespected.
This young Mayo team doesn’t fear anyone and they will give every once of themselves to win the final for us and our great county. It’s up to us as supporters to do the same for them and cheer them on like hell tomorrow. Maigheo Abu.
Lahanman says:
July 25, 2026 at 7:21 pm
It is indeed the day before...emotion' excitement is high as it should be...column inches and podcasts have saturated our minds ' evey possible scenario has been explored' kerry at a canter' Mayo to shock...all these hypothesised to the extreme...Mayo people' hope and dream wishfully...kerry people expect...
Tomorrow two teams will cross the white lines' one will emerge the victor..it surely must be kerry ' the most experienced team' the most experienced management ' better footballers overall ' battle hardened on way to final...Mayo on the other hand have the illusion ' statistically we have to win sometime' AM is a lucky manager so far'' this team has great potential ' it may realise it tomorrow ' great sporting shocks occur..
There will be moral victories at least.. maybe highest ever score by Mayo ever in an AL final beaten by the greatest player ever to play the game(to go alongside being beaten by the greatest team ever) ' its a three year plan and we are actually ahead of schedule ' we will have a few all-stars and YPOY probably...
All these outcomes are possible tomorrow...and we must not be afraid of any of them...especially the Mayo team...their best chance of winning is if they are not afraid to loose...
The expected outcome will probably happen it usually does...except when nobody expects it...
Mhaigh Eo abu...
Hill16 says:
July 25, 2026 at 7:32 pm
After your heavy defeat in the league to Donegal, I said never mind the league, The Championship is the only show in town. You will be there or there abouts. I did get a bit of stick on here, but the prediction was right.. so here's another prediction for yous, Mayo will win by 3. This Kerry team is there to be got at and not to be feared. Again safe travelling to everyone making the trip to our hallowed ground. And enjoy it, 75 years in the making.
JoeT1480 says:
July 25, 2026 at 7:49 pm
I do not have a ticket.
I am willing to swap it for a few bob and a depth of gratitude.
I'm here all weekend......
Thanks.
0862142950
Swallow Swoops says:
July 25, 2026 at 7:54 pm
Thank you, Hill16 : ))
Lahanman says:
July 25, 2026 at 8:19 pm
I guess we will know by end of first quarter. If we are playing into Davin end we need to be building a decent lead early. If Kerry are playing into Davin' we need to be staying with them..like last year if kerry get a healthy lead early ' they'll will just try to control possession all the way through..
Ahh not again says:
July 25, 2026 at 8:22 pm
This Kerry team is not the 6 in a row Dublin team, that been said they have a solid experienced team , if we get breaks in midfield and improve kickouts we can do a job on Kerry, starve Clifford as Donegal did twice this year.
Tubberman says:
July 25, 2026 at 8:41 pm
We're not the Mayo team of 2017 either though.
We need to be ravenous for breaking ball. If we can't win our share though, it doesn't matter who we have up front because they won't see the ball, or how good our defence is, because they'll just be overwhelmed.
Ruislip Raider says:
July 25, 2026 at 9:23 pm
Thanks Mike and the Mayo Football Talk team for your fantastic efforts in previewing the blue riband event.
However, most of all, thank you to the Mayo footballers and management in taking us so far, so early, we can only begin to imagine the effort and commitment put in by the whole backroom and playing team to getting to Croke Park on the biggest day of the year. The very best of luck!
Lastly, Malachy Clerkin’s piece sums up perfectly what football means to our county and its followers. Terrific wordsmith-ship. Maigh Eo Abu
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2026/07/25/heres-what-ive-learned-from-22-years-of-meeting-mayo-friends-after-all-ireland-finals/
Trevor Naughton says:
July 25, 2026 at 9:23 pm
Listening to Mayo / Manchester finest as I read this......tomorrow never knows what it doesn't know too soon. Up Mayo!
Clare says:
July 25, 2026 at 9:56 pm
Met Lwe Keegan tonight an absolute gent ! Up mayo ! Or at least we get close to them<3
Parkoncroakie says:
July 25, 2026 at 9:59 pm
Great piece Mike, cant wait for tomorrow, first time ever ive enjoyed the build up ..always full of fear of losing .but this year is different ..cant put my finger on it, we're playing without fear and are really enjoying our football,we have youth,athletatism, and are fearless,against kerrys experience, if we're still in it with 15mins to go we'll ask a lot of questions of them, we need to match them score for score throught the match, show them no respect and hit for home in the last 10 mins ..
Food4thought says:
July 25, 2026 at 10:27 pm
Good luck to the team and management and safe travels to all. Shout a little obnoxiously. If you’re not obnoxious you’re not doing it properly.
Outta the blue says:
July 25, 2026 at 10:37 pm
Long time since I posted.. As a Dub.. Feel we were hard done by not to be facing yous tomorrow.. Lad's Kerry are there for the taken and as out Titanic battles fade into the past, I find myself really hoping yous do it and actually would love to see Big Aid on the pitch when it happens.. Also being a bit selfish as don't want to see Kerry doing back to back.. But genuinely hope yous reach the promised land and something I never thought I'd say during our decade of battle.. MAYO abú
PortMayo says:
July 25, 2026 at 10:55 pm
As John Kiely put it, we have a job to do, so tomorrow let's make our voices count!
Inittillwewinit says:
July 25, 2026 at 10:57 pm
Have a Hill 16 ticket for my daughter but looking to swap for a Cusack or a Nally and will pay the difference. Msg me on Whatsapp on 0861541743. Will meet in Drumcondra anytime before 14.30 tomorrow thanks Mike.
1985 says:
July 25, 2026 at 11:01 pm
David Brady was totally cringeworthy on up for the match .mother of god
You Three says:
July 25, 2026 at 11:08 pm
Goosebumps Mike, great post, @Hill16, I've been back reading old comments and you are correct, found a similar comment from you after Kerry battered us in the league, your head never dropped, appreciate your foresight and support!
MaryM says:
July 25, 2026 at 11:13 pm
@1985 couldn’t agree more. WTF was going on. Show was a load of shite
Jr says:
July 25, 2026 at 11:27 pm
Brady was a great warrior but an embarrassment on the OTB podcast
2 hops says:
July 25, 2026 at 11:32 pm
Lets all keep the focus on the game...''the only thing we have to fear is fear itself ''as Roosevelt said one time.
Tomorrow will be historic.
Let's get it done Mayo!
1985 says:
July 25, 2026 at 11:34 pm
What in gods name was he rambling about.jumping off a wall and asking jack o Shea to autograph a Kerry jersey.
High or low - it’s Willie Joe! says:
July 25, 2026 at 11:48 pm
Me thinks him and JoS had a few too many beverages in the green room….
Winston says:
July 25, 2026 at 11:49 pm
Brady was ridiculous surely...few ales on board id say..made zero sense only aul waffle talk as usual. That up for the match is very 'irish'..change format needed. Crikey rte..do better ffs.
to win just once says:
July 26, 2026 at 12:09 am
Lovely piece of writing Mike. Sums up the feelings of so many. This week I have heard it’s a ‘free shot’, we ‘ have nothing to lose’, these ‘lads don’t carry baggage and won’t be burdened by history’, this ‘ year is different” etc etc. I wish I could believe all of this but I have heard it all before.Years of disappointment and hard luck stories wears one down We have done very well to get here and a mammoth task awaits us. I really wish these lads the absolute best of brilliant luck. We are lucky to have them represent us. Hopefully if things don’t go as we dream, we won’t have the usual criticism and abuse that usually follows a disappointing result. One only has to go back to the hours and days after the Roscommon game. Back and support the team. If they manage to be victorious it will be the greatest feeling in the world and will give us our happiest winter ever. On another note Up for the Match would do nothing to get one in the mood. I felt it was poor and I don’t think Croke Park is a good venue for the show, especially if the bars are open !!!
Shuffly Deck says:
July 26, 2026 at 12:15 am
I thought it was grand apart from DB bit. He’s usually entertaining on Newstalk. Padraic O Hora was good and likeable. I didn’t think I’d enjoy the show, might be a nostalgia fest similar to the Rose of Tralee but I did enjoy it. Some good characters on there.
MayoMayo says:
July 26, 2026 at 12:20 am
Morning of the game has arrived in Melbourne, although I suppose it hasn’t really with the gaming throwing in at half past midnight. I’ll be watching it down around Kobe’s new (hopefully temporary!) home of St Kilda.
Can’t wait for the game, it going to be a long day.
MoDíreach says:
July 26, 2026 at 4:09 am
Maith thú, Mike. Táimíd réidh.
We're ready for the road. Having a sup of coffee and heading for the Reek soon. Mayo jersey, ready. Mayo flag, ready. Heart feels ok. Day looks alright. Whatever happens, let it be. Safe travels to each one of you.
Be ready to give your best, on the field, on the hill, on the road, in the stands.
We're a proud people and no one can stop us from shining.
Have my Mayo prayer ready for the service.
Slán agus beannacht le foireann Mhuigheo inniú.
Maigheo abú 💚❤️💚
JoeG says:
July 26, 2026 at 5:52 am
MayoMayo. My daughter is also in Melbourne and paid GAA+ 55 dollars for the stream. Bit shitty trying to fleece the diaspora like that.
Richard says:
July 26, 2026 at 6:26 am
I was doing a clear out recently and lurking at the back of the wardrobe, I found an old Portuguese jersey that I bought in 2011 while on holiday.
I bought it the day after we watched Mayo win the Connacht final with my sister and her in-laws from Roscommon in James Horans first season in charge. I knew that I’d need a jersey for when I got home and thought that this one might be lucky.
I was still on holiday when I watched reigning champions Cork demolish Down in a qualifier match in Croke Park on the following Saturday night and they were being lauded as the team to beat again by all pundits.
I donned my New Jersey when I headed for Croke Park for a game where Mayo were far bigger underdogs than they are today. Andy put in a man of the match performance that day and we blew the champions away in what was the real start of the great modern era for Mayo football.
While I was delighted with the win, I made the decision going home that this jersey was a little bit too big for me so I consigned it to the back of the drawer in the wardrobe and never wore it again.
Although I don’t have a ticket today, I’ll be sitting at home wearing that long forgotten old jersey for the first time since. I expect it to fit a bit better this time around.
Outside of the Boot says:
July 26, 2026 at 6:31 am
The core of this team is the All Ireland underage, minor and u20 winners in Loftus, Ruane, Coen and Diarmuid .
We have the lads who won All.Ireland Int , with Crossmolina in fairy tale way , Sigerson winners this year too .
Young guys who know nothing but confidence, players like Tommy, Diarmuid and Matty who have killed themselves in gyms to get back to fitness to be here.
Life choices from.Conor and Kobe to be here playing, neither of them had to play or were really expced to but they chose to be here and the Stars are aligned, these lads dont know a backward step nor wont be fazed or freeze, we are winning this
SouthMayo says:
July 26, 2026 at 7:28 am
Folks, if anyone is in the unfortunate position of a last min cancellation this morning and can't travel, let me know. I need two.
Safe travels to everyone today.
0863791560.
Ever the optimist says:
July 26, 2026 at 7:32 am
For those declaring nobody outside the county is giving Mayo a chance, I have met plenty of football people who would beg to differ. Lots realise Kerry are very lucky to be there at all. Keep it real and it will happen. No paralysis by analysis please Andy and crew!
The tools and goods are there to bury Kerry. Use them and keep the heads. Mayo by 5.
Tall Majestic Hills says:
July 26, 2026 at 7:44 am
From its rollin' coastal waters
"I can see Croagh Patrick's peak
Where one Sunday every Summer
The pilgrims climb the reek
Where Saint Patrick in it's solitude
Looked down across Clew Bay
And with the ringin' of his bell
Called the faithful there to pray
There to pray"
Best of Luck to each and everyone involved in this incredible journey,... It's more that just a game of football, it has the potential to make every Mayo person around the world to experience a surreal feeling of sheer and utter joy that my words cannot convey the magnitude of .With the help of Almighty God and those gone before us we'll enter the land of dreams come 5.30 this evening.. Immortality beckons.
Tom F says:
July 26, 2026 at 7:50 am
These are the days we dream of. Soak it up and enjoy every minute.Up Mayo!
Sean Burke says:
July 26, 2026 at 7:54 am
Personally took a year out this year (first time in my life ) , woke up at 5am with the fear I’m going to miss the moment I’ve waited all my life for , yes this is an emotional appeal I need a ticket , please if anyone hears of anything 0831009053 .
Best of luck to team and management , keep going the way ye are you’ll lift it today and be forever immortal. Up Mayo
Justoutsideballagh says:
July 26, 2026 at 8:00 am
Don't forget to honk to Delia and Pat on the bridge between Kilcock and Maynooth. They start the noise for every Mayo trip to Croke Park and are an established part of the day. We will do it this time and they will be out to greet us home!
Achill exile says:
July 26, 2026 at 8:05 am
Wishing team best luck and management. And safe travels to supporters. Any spare tickets by anyone send a post to me.
toe to hand says:
July 26, 2026 at 8:10 am
Woohoo rise and shine, finally after the long wait its game day, bring it on. Good luck Mayo!
Corick bridge says:
July 26, 2026 at 8:18 am
Great comments from most posters,a couple will always want to criticise something,or someone,best of luck to team,and management and supporters today,safe travels to all ,hopefully a great game with no injuries to either team,and no controversy,may the best team win as long as it is Mayo
No doubt says:
July 26, 2026 at 8:21 am
Folks.if things aren't going well early on today try resist the negative comments and maybe wait until after the game as things can change quickly and even at the end think 1st. Good luck to all.
Williams town Gerry says:
July 26, 2026 at 8:41 am
Just on the Road
Wills Bros have an old lorry in the middle of the new roundabout in Frenchpark looks might
Lots of flags in our neighbours
Good luck to all today
Bring home Sam
Dave Johnston says:
July 26, 2026 at 8:50 am
This one seems a bit surreal. We didnt expect to be in a final this year, definitely not after the Roscommon game, the draws went our way for a change. Missed out on the top teams in 3 consecutive draws. We had no real injury concerns. Who knows, maybe its just all lined up for us this year. Its almost impossible to predict anything accurately in the past finals against Dublin, we knew that there was very little separating the teams and there rarely was. We need to take full advantage of the opportunity, To get to a final in Andy’s first year in charge is some achievement but with the strength and depth of the championship now, theres no guarantee we'll waltz back into finals every year. We have to take full advantage of the opportunity. 75 years is too long. Let’s end it today. Up Mayo🤞
Coilltemach says:
July 26, 2026 at 2:44 pm
Fk me Mike but you can write! Beautiful piece.
Am out of the country for this one on a pre booked holiday. It kinda suits me tbh as the nerves would be well shot.
It's been a long journey and we have learned so much. I have come to embrace that aspect of it and truly enjoy it.
Safe travels to all, we did not expect to be here so that is a change within itself.
Hon Mayo Xxx