Mayo 1-20 Kerry 1-17, Croke Park
In wishing Mayo all the best this morning, a good family friend – from Galway, as it happens – said “all droughts eventually end”. How right she was, as, amidst a torrent of wild emotion at Croke Park this afternoon, Mayo finally ended their 75-year wait for an All-Ireland title, as they dethroned defending champions Kerry by a margin of three points.
It was a win that was richly deserved. Once Mayo had clawed their way back into contention after a poor start – when Kerry briefly raced into a seven-point lead – they always looked more likely to prevail. Their ravenous hunger for the ball was so evident and it was only an inability to turn the screw to the full on the champions in the third quarter that had them still in the hunt coming down the stretch.
But, you know, we were always well aware that winning an All-Ireland for the first time after such a long gap was never going to be easy. And it wasn’t but, in those nerve-shredding final moments, the lads held their composure sufficiently to get us over the line and deposit us, at last, in the Promised Land.
When news filtered through before throw-in that Stephen Coen would play no part today and would be replaced by Diarmuid O’Connor, while their Diarmuid O’Connor was also unfit to play and was replaced by Tom O’Sullivan, the sense was that this might marginally benefit us.
Not because Stevie wasn’t a loss – he clearly was – but it showed that Kerry’s injury woes, which have plagued them all year, would be a factor again today. In the event, this proved on the money as Kerry were forced to run their bench early and we had the legs on them when it really counted.
Kerry made the better start. Again, the prevailing view was that they would need to, as Jack Coyne won the toss and we opted to play against the diagonal breeze into the Hill.
They got the game’s three opening scores, from Dylan Casey and two from David Clifford. David McBrien’s fisted effort opened our account but before then – and then twice afterwards – we had attempts at points that came up short. Kerry, showing greater efficiency, widened the gap to three from a Seán O’Shea point.
Then they cut us open for a goal. Our defence was unpicked by an O’Shea backdoor cut and Clifford rounded Jack Livingstone before finishing to the empty net. When O’Shea followed up with a point soon after, we were clearly reeling.
Two-point scores have been our trademark all year and Jack Carney’s rejoinder that sent the umpire scurrying for his orange flag was just the boost we needed. Tom O’Sullivan cut through twice in succession but on both occasions his finish was wayward.
Jordan Flynn had a harsh yellow flashed at him when he fouled out on the wing after a defensive mix-up cost us possession in a dangerous area. Clifford bashed the free wide, another let-off for us, but O’Shea fisted over soon after to push the gap back out to six.
Ryan O’Donoghue then landed a monstrous two-pointer into the Hill and this was the start of a period of dominance for us. We were hitting hard all over the field and, although winning primary ball was a problem that would remain alive until the finish, we were now turning over ball with intent.
Andy Moran also decided a switch was needed. Into the fray came the hard-running Tommy Conroy, replacing Paul Towey. Almost straight away Tommy was fouled out wide near the Cusack and Darragh Beirne arrowed over the resultant free from a tight angle.
Casey then got caught in possession and was pinged for overcarrying. Some lip to the ref made this a 14-yarder in front of the posts, which Ryan O’Donoghue popped over.
Casey was in the wars again soon after at the other end, going down following a hard challenge from Jack Coyne. He left the field for treatment but Seán O’Shea missed the two-point free effort.
Sam Callinan – from an assist by Kobe McDonald – and Tom O’Sullivan swapped scores, before two on the spin for us, the first a free from Darragh Beirne following a foul on Ryan O’Donoghue and the second an effort from Tommy Conroy that was okayed after a HawkEye check – hauled us level.
Kerry had the last say of the half when Joe O’Connor pointed in the seconds before the hooter to send them in a point in front. Mayo would, however, have been much the happier outfit then, as they’d withstood Kerry’s opening barrage, were clearly winning the physical contest, and had the scoring end at the Davin to attack in the second half.
Mayo didn’t wait long to push on after the break. Darragh Beirne did really well to get his shot away for a score that levelled the game and then after a half-chance for a goal by Kobe McDonald resulted in a ’45, the Crossmolina youngster knocked it over to put us in front for the first time.
We didn’t know it then, of course, and our nerves would be stretched almost to breaking point before the end, but we were now in front for keeps. Sam was on the way, but there was more to do, much more, before the dancing began in the aisles.
What lit the touchpaper was Darragh Beirne’s goal. It was another carefully placed effort from the calm young Claremorris man, from a lovely flicked assist by David McBrien after a surging upfield run by Ryan O’Donoghue after McBrien had turned the ball over in our backline to start the move.
Four up and really motoring, the Mayo faithful began to believe. Really believe.
Another Kerry wide was another boost for us and although Evans followed this up with their first score of the half, a second, deliciously curling, two-pointer from Jack Carney then pushed us five clear.
We should, in truth, have killed the contest then. But a succession of poor wides showed that the nerves weren’t being felt only by those looking on and, as we failed to add to our tally, scores at the other end from the two Cliffords – with Paudie now becoming more influential in the game – cut the gap to two.
We brought on Matthew Ruane for Bob Tuohy and Rory Brickenden for Eoin McGreal. But Kerry continued to harry us, O’Sullivan’s score reducing the gap to the minimum with just under twenty to go.
Kobe gave us some vital breathing space, finishing from a Ryan O’Donoghue assist, but Clifford responded at the other end. Then Jordan Flynn bagged one for us and that seemed like a big score, all the more so when Kobe landed another to stretch the gap to three with just over ten minutes to go.
Conor Loftus had now come on for Diarmuid O’Connor, with Paddy Durcan also making a late cameo for Sam Callinan, as we sought to close out on a historic fourth All-Ireland success. Inevitably, when we needed it most, it was Ryan O’Donoghue who came up with a vital two-pointer.
Five up now, Sam was almost within touching distance. When Jordan Flynn got on the end of a ball punted in by Ryan O’Donoghue, that could have finished it but the leather cannoned back off the crossbar with the ‘keeper nowhere in sight.
David Clifford, for once able to get away a clear shot, bagged a two-pointer and then his brother got a single and so the gap was back to two. But there was now only two minutes left to play.
Soon after that David Clifford had another pop at a two-pointer but this one went narrowly wide. Kerry came again after that too, trying to work a shot for a two-point score to force the game to extra-time. This time O’Shea was the shooter but his effort from beyond the arc didn’t have the distance.
We were now in possession with less than a minute on the clock. With Kerry stretched at the back, Jack Carney had the confidence to go long, finding David McBrien fifty yards ahead of him and moving forward. He offloaded to Kobe, who fed Tommy Conroy and it was The Neale player who capped off the win with a point seconds before the very welcome sound of the hooter.
And then, suddenly, we were in Dreamland. Well used to our assigned role of leaving crestfallen after the game is over, it felt strange – but how bloody joyous – to be the ones celebrating with abandon at the end. Singing, hugging, high-fiving and blubbering openly.
The moment Jack Coyne raised Sam to the heavens, becoming the first Mayo captain since Seán Flanagan to do this, we were confirmed as All-Ireland champions. Never again will we talk about 1936, 1950 and 1951 without adding 2026 as well. Boy, doesn’t that feel so good?
Mayo: Jack Livingstone; Jack Coyne, Donnacha McHugh, Eoin McGreal; Sam Callinan (0-1), David McBrien (0-1), Enda Hession; Bob Tuohy, Jack Carney (0-4, two 2pt); Diarmuid O’Connor, Paul Towey, Jordan Flynn (0-2); Darragh Beirne (1-3, two frees), Ryan O’Donoghue (0-5, two 2pts, one free), Kobe McDomald (0-3, one ’45). Subs: Tommy Conroy (0-2) for Towey, Matthew Ruane for Tuohy, Rory Brickenden for McGreal, Conor Loftus for O’Connor, Paddy Durcan for Callinan.
Stiofain says:
July 26, 2026 at 6:57 pm
Huge congratulations to Mayo from a Dub in The Basque Country.
James Fleming says:
July 26, 2026 at 7:01 pm
Brilliant
Michael1381 says:
July 26, 2026 at 7:01 pm
Relief. That’s how I feel about it. Delighted to see the old guard finally getting something for their years of service. Can we go again? We can only dream 😏
MartyK says:
July 26, 2026 at 7:03 pm
Wonderful piece John and thank you so much for keeping the flame roaring down the years. So proud of our team, our Blog, our supporters, our diaspora. Remember this day for the rest of our lives !
Ontheroad13 says:
July 26, 2026 at 7:05 pm
Mayos fitness is absolutely incredible great credit to the S and C team.
deiseach says:
July 26, 2026 at 7:10 pm
I thought of you at the end. So happy for you, and everyone connected to Mayo.
Ciaran 2. says:
July 26, 2026 at 7:22 pm
Yes. Thank you John Gunnigan for keeping this blog going. It would have been easy to give up so many times.
The final chapter for now.
Greetings to all the Diaspora.
Clare Morris says:
July 26, 2026 at 7:32 pm
Thank you John and Rob for the podcast going all the way. You kept the flame burning for us all.
We are in dreamland, it has all led to this.
To all that kept the flag flying high, up Mayo
Bugsy says:
July 26, 2026 at 7:40 pm
Heaven after last. What a game what a day....
Rossie 68 says:
July 26, 2026 at 7:46 pm
Fabulous results ,Can’t believe
it has finally come to tuition after all the heartache, 👍👍
Ontheroad13 says:
July 26, 2026 at 7:47 pm
Nigel reape got his analysis spot on too on the pod on Friday.
PA Sean says:
July 26, 2026 at 7:49 pm
A 45-man demolition crew has raised the house of pain and built an ark for Sam
Pepsi says:
July 26, 2026 at 7:54 pm
Kobe is a God.
Tenacious yew says:
July 26, 2026 at 8:01 pm
What an absolute bunch of heroes one and all and a speech to bury all that hurt a day of days on the road home and it’s just not sinking in yet in a daze what a day
Rusty Bridges says:
July 26, 2026 at 8:05 pm
Wow just wow.
I'm speechless.
Get in there!!
toe to hand says:
July 26, 2026 at 8:05 pm
Thanks be f*#k we finally did it. Stick out your chest and be proud that we are from the county Mayo
Declan says:
July 26, 2026 at 8:05 pm
One of the great All Ireland finals and a fitting conclusion to a phenomenal effort from John/WJ and everyone involved with this blog over the years and the many many painful losses.
We're lucky to be around to see today happen. So many came and went without it happening in their lifetimes (though for a few lucky people this will be the third or maybe even fourth All Ireland of their lifetimes). It was great that a few of the stalwarts of the 2010s campaigns were able to hang on long enough to get their winners medals too - either in a playing capacity or as part of the backrooms team.
Hopefully, now that the door has finally been kicked open, we might see one or two more come out way in the coming years.
MoDíreach says:
July 26, 2026 at 8:07 pm
Beyond ecstatic
So proud of the lads. So proud of Mayo. The prayers have been answered.
Please don't pass any funerals on the way home 💚❤️💚🌟🥳🎉🥳
Jimbo says:
July 26, 2026 at 8:10 pm
The supporters were brillant today. Mayo gaa blog and john gunnigan take a bow. I thing the blog and the bloggers helped to get the mayo supporters vocal. The noise from the supporters was brillant today.
WestKerry says:
July 26, 2026 at 8:18 pm
From the bottom of my heart congratulations to Mayo.
To all of those who have lost loved ones today they are smiling down from heaven.
You deserved your win without complaints.
Im sure Sam will love his visit West.
Up Mayo..
MayoMayo says:
July 26, 2026 at 8:24 pm
It’s unbelievable that we have won it, I still can’t believe it.
I’m also sorry that McNallys career as a top level ref must be over. Missing a double hop is some awful stuff, maybe Monaghan lads aren’t cut out for top level refereeing.
Winston says:
July 26, 2026 at 8:25 pm
Outstanding...outpouring of emotion was beautiful to see. Will chat more in depth about game during week..but by god did they tackle like dogs today..well done boys and Andy.
Exile says:
July 26, 2026 at 8:26 pm
West Kerry - you and all the Kerry posters have been pure class. Grma
Rossie 68 says:
July 26, 2026 at 8:30 pm
Just wondering what Brolly
will have to say now ?
Dave Johnston says:
July 26, 2026 at 8:36 pm
West kerry. Thanks for the gracious post so soon after a final. Always a rational contribution to the blog. This win means more to us than you could ever know.
Mayo super fan says:
July 26, 2026 at 8:38 pm
Brilliant performance delighted for lads.I thought robbie should have been in from start between posts for his experince and jack livingstone at midfield for his high ball ability.Up mayo.
Hill16 says:
July 26, 2026 at 8:41 pm
Well I've another I told you so to deliver, not that I think anyone will mind. Called it yesterday on here Mayo by 3. Lads enjoy this. It's the best feeling in the world. And no matter if you win a few more it won't top this feeling after a long wait. Enjoy the celebrations. Maybe stick a sign up beside Roscommons Connacht title sign. Congratulations fantastic young energetic, pacey team who play fantastic football..ps split Mayo in 2 haha
MartyK says:
July 26, 2026 at 8:43 pm
Fair play to Andy and his coaches. After the Ross fiasco, they transformed our shapeless 1 to 6 backline into a doggedly determined and ruthless man marking/tracking/tackling force and that in my opinion was the winning of it for us today.
Alternative view says:
July 26, 2026 at 8:46 pm
A Derry chap beside me who knows Joe well said reverse psychology
Ciaran 2. says:
July 26, 2026 at 8:46 pm
Just ignore thoughts of bolly and filli. Fill your thought with Joy etc.
A truly extraordinary day for us all. What a delight to support a team like that.
Alternative view says:
July 26, 2026 at 8:48 pm
A Derry chap beside me who knows Joe well said it was reverse psychology from Joe. It was the media and straight talking supporters who put Andy on the right road after Ros.
Swallow Swoops says:
July 26, 2026 at 8:58 pm
Thank you, Hill16. We are just so happy. Thank you for your interest and support and warm greetings to you from Contae Mhaigh Eo.
Revellino says:
July 26, 2026 at 9:00 pm
Unbelievable !!!
Primed313 says:
July 26, 2026 at 9:04 pm
As an exile thanks for all the coverage over the years - truly excellent between here, the pods and the discord. Like many, my first thoughts on the final whistle were those no longer with us. In my case my dad, who was over from Glasgow for every final from 96 until 2017. He'd have been extra proud at the contribution of the Belmullet man. Deserved champions and thank god it's over 🤣
Km79 says:
July 26, 2026 at 9:06 pm
It happened
Mayo john says:
July 26, 2026 at 9:13 pm
What a manager Andy class’s from Roscommon heads down believe in youth no fear nk baggage 75 years living. On a dream bringing kids croagh patk walking out loser like everyone Bali e it comes true up mayo
Bacon Factory End says:
July 26, 2026 at 9:17 pm
We did it! So proud of the boys and managment. Ah lads, the holy grail. no voice left, croker was rocking, having great banter with the kerry and mayo crew about dublin. Never knew how good it wood be. Just epic. Mayo mayo mayo mayo
Left Boot. says:
July 26, 2026 at 9:18 pm
Yes John, you've said it all, I'm following Mayo 58 years & boy o boy my heartbeat count must have been near a 120 beats a minute during parts of that game. What a game, what a team, Congratulations to the team & all Mayo people everywhere. MAYO ABU.
SouthMayo says:
July 26, 2026 at 9:21 pm
What an incredible achievement. 55 mins in I thought we were going to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory once again but this team just refuse to believe in a trying else that themselves. In the cold light of day, I think the comeback against Meath went very underrated. John, thank you for the blog, it's kept us engaged through the years and a massive part to play in the fans obsession
Twisted Wheel says:
July 26, 2026 at 9:24 pm
I would like to thank all the managers we have had, going back to Liam o Neill in the 1980s. We had a very lean time after winning in 1951. We only won four Connacht titles between 51 and 85 and none in the 1970's. They all added to the standard; they all gave something, thank you, one and all; this is your victory as much as one's
Young Fella says:
July 26, 2026 at 9:45 pm
So, so proud…
What a ravenous display of tackling, turnovers and breaking lines. These young lads had no fear of the aristocrats. I’ve been a lot of years following the green and red from outside the county, and the number of messages from those in my adopted county this evening show hoe this is seen all over the country.
I can’t wait for Castlebar tomoorrow.
And apologies to the great Austin O Malley for knocking his phone from his hand with all the jumping in front of him after the final hooter. Austin was a gentleman about it of course!
Windy City says:
July 26, 2026 at 10:12 pm
John, so happy for you that you get to write that headline after 20 seasons of this blog I think. Thanks for starting this and keeping it going. What a ride we’ve had!
J Doyle says:
July 26, 2026 at 10:38 pm
As a neutral (Kildare) and firstly a rugby man, this has been probably the greatest sporting day of my 67 year life. Mayo keep going next year.
Pittsburgh says:
July 26, 2026 at 10:47 pm
Undying spirit, thoughts of passed hero’s and love ones, love of the jersey, club, county, country, warrior spirit, chest out, express yourself, play with flare and go for it. To all of ye back home in Mayo and Kerry, miss you all, to my Kerry family back home, commiserations, to my family back home in Mayo, my Dad a proud Kerryman, what a fight, hope to see you all back home next summer, when we all go again. Mhaigh Eo Abu. Good night, and god bless ye all!!
Jr says:
July 26, 2026 at 10:52 pm
PREDICTION, Brolly will say Mayo would win nothing with Aiden on.
Some gobshite.
Jr says:
July 26, 2026 at 10:52 pm
Enjoy ,bet well
HappyDays says:
July 26, 2026 at 11:06 pm
What a day/evening/night
Thanks John for keepin her lit during stressful times .
Game was played in terrific spirit.Ref was fantastic, MayoMayo hope u were havin' a laugh....
Never thought we would see the day
Mayotillidie says:
July 26, 2026 at 11:32 pm
Was at match with my 13 year old and 10 year old. Both born in Galway, but I supposed influenced them to love mayo. And to spend the day, and see the tears of joy at the end of match. Just priceless
Walter White says:
July 26, 2026 at 11:49 pm
What a day. Those boys would not be denied. The outpouring of sheer joy at the end will live with me for the rest of my days. Muigheo Abu
John Martin says:
July 27, 2026 at 12:03 am
It probably makes no sense but I always sensed that the Mayo curse was a self-fulfilling prophesy - as Keith Higgins said we were afraid to win. This year Destiny smiled on us - the hammering by Roscommon was a blessing in disguise! The fact that this year's team finally won may, in turn, ensure that future Mayo teams will never have to carry the same psychological burden again. Maigh Eo abú.
Dyalikedags says:
July 27, 2026 at 12:22 am
West Kerry, what a nice thing to say. Respect
RosTown says:
July 27, 2026 at 12:30 am
Been to all the Finals since 1989. Just pure joy at the final whistle. I can't get over we have finally done it.. Can I just say on the way out from Croke Park today lot's of Kerry supporters shook my hand and wished us well. That also meant a lot to me.
Mayomadrob says:
July 27, 2026 at 12:55 am
I LOVE MAYO - all the way from Coppers
Micko says:
July 27, 2026 at 1:36 am
Hello! All Mayo folk. It's been a very long time since i posted on here. I'm a ThoroughBred Kerry supporter, I go to anything Kerry, even a game of tweedlywinks to Kerry FC.
I taught up in Mayo for 20 years and commuted nearly every weekend over that time.
While I'm disappointed tonight on my couch at home, I'm not despondent, because I know as tradition holds, well be back.
This is not about Kerry though, this is Mayo's Day. I was up there, im just glad I experienced something more than historical and special today, tgat I will take to my grave. I stayed right until after all Mayo players and speeches made up in the Hogan Stand. I nearly missed my bus on the way back home. I shook countless Mayo hands. A match for the ages.
I am only too happy and glad, football won today, 2026 was the Year of the Underdog, so it was befitting to end the season with Mayo winning. No excuses by me, I called it two weeks ago, Mayo 52 / 48 win over Kerry, people did not believe me.
I did though. Different this time. I miss Mayo and I love you as people, your nature, honesty is gold star in my experience. I shed a tear today at witnessing 75 years of hurt and pent up disappointment.
You played brilliantly, we were out thought and out fought.
We think of all the Mayo folks that never witnessed a Mayo Have Sam, birn after 1951 and did not live to see today, but they were smiling down.
I'm going up to your Homecoming tomorrow. May i wish you all so much unbridled joy and happiness. You so deserve it. Do not go to work until first day in January 2027!!
This year is yours. Thank you for creating something beautiful, rare and great in sport today, to a county that has given me some if the best days of my life while teaching up there. Your supporters were resplendent today and so nice.
Enjoy! Maigh Éo Abú
Ruislip Raider says:
July 27, 2026 at 2:16 am
Not long back from Croker. Cant believe this day.
To each and everyone of the Mayo Senior panel and Andy, Boyler, Zippy etc we can never thank ye enough! It started in Ruislip in April and ended in HQ 26/07/26. Maigh Eo Abu. The most fabulous county on God’s earth.
Sean Hallinan says:
July 27, 2026 at 2:26 am
Micko - your contribution has been very beautiful and magnanimous. Thank you Sir. I and my wife Mary cried today after the match - 60 long barren years of failure at the last hurdle more than compensated for today. We will die happy and tell the tale of the 26/ 7 2006 to many dear friends passed on before. Praise the Lord!
Dean says:
July 27, 2026 at 4:39 am
It's now 11:30p in Atlanta and I'm still buzzing. I found myself periodically throughout the day saying "Oh my god" to no one in particular. These boys gave so much joy to the county, and really to most of Ireland. I don't even think a Kerry man could begrudge Mayo today. Enjoy it, keep soaking it in...god knows it doesn't happen every day.
Dylan OT says:
July 27, 2026 at 5:43 am
What did everyone say an about the 20point mark to win an all Ireland - absolute hats off after that first half - defiance, hunger, and perseverance. Incredible.
MayoMayo says:
July 27, 2026 at 6:06 am
Mayo are All Ireland Champions.
Repeat that.
Mayo are All Ireland Champions.
“Stick your chest out and be proud to be from Mayo”. What a line.
Livingstone - 8 did nothing wrong, got some great short kick outs away. Was in control of his box all day. Nothing he could do for the goal.
Coyne - 9 leader. Nothing else needs to be said.
McHugh - 7 the unenviable task of picking up Clifford, came away having had a very solid outing. Mayo press so high and he had the confidence to go toe to toe with him.
McGreal - 8 it’s on the second or third watching you see his influence. Incredible to think how much more he can develop.
Callinan - 8 that point under pressure on his left was just reward for a great year.
McBrien - 9 absolute warrior.
Hession - 10 There wasn’t a blade of grass he didn’t say hello to today. Gets an extra mark for letting Clifford know all about it at the end.
Tuohy - 8 another understated performance from Bob, he clearly has been given a task to do and he does diligently.
Carney - 10 we needed to break even at midfield and compete and we did that.
Flynn - 9 his best game of the year? Might be recency bias (a theme in these rankings) but he was awesome.
Towey - 7 thought he was unlucky to be subbed but I guess it was part of a reset.
Diarmuid - 8 I was sorry for Coen, I assume picking up an injury, but his experience was replaced by Doc. Given a task on Gavin White which nobody saw coming.
Beirne - 9 the work rate, the coolness for the finish. The interview after, those lads believed it.
ROD - 11 (yes, the rankings are out of ten) he was just a leader, ran the show, tackled like a demon. That two pointer was made to look so easy.
Kobe - 8 grew into the game, he really belies his young years.
Tommy - 8 continued what he had been doing the last few games. The tackling to force Foley to kick it over the sideline. The last point. Wow, still doesn’t feel real.
Mattie, Loftus, Brick, Durcan - 7 did exactly as required when they came on.
Andy - 10 he got it spot on.
The medical and S&C lads - 10, lads were purring. Kerry couldn’t live with it.
No doubt says:
July 27, 2026 at 6:43 am
Don't know if anyone mentioned it but fair play @jordan kearns but Andy did it a year earlier than predicted.
Ever the optimist says:
July 27, 2026 at 6:51 am
A masterclass in patience is how I would refer to Andy's managerial style. Despite the flak and the inexorable sniping from some quarters, he was busy rolling out his blueprint. Some were too truculent to see it - others too biased to believe it. He let the Mayo faithful gradually grasp what he was up to.... basically the old guard was not going to win this but their invaluable experience could be otherwise cultivated.
He took some stick for the Roscommon game but he shrugged it off until the penny finally dropped for the masses.
Brilliant strategy and bravery to boot.
Trevor Naughton says:
July 27, 2026 at 7:54 am
We did it. Words fail me. Up Mayo.
Deirdre Dee says:
July 27, 2026 at 8:07 am
Absolutely delighted, what a display from Mayo and what a day.
Mayo.Mick says:
July 27, 2026 at 9:24 am
BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT!
Bohola Man says:
July 27, 2026 at 10:56 am
John /WJ ..thank you so much for your wonderful blog over the years ..essential reading for me every day through good and bad days .
Unbelievable performance by the team .. I have seen all the Mayo matches over 40 years and I never expected to see an All Ireland in my lifetime ..
Looking to the future , lets get the Bohola Centre of Excellent up & running ASAP .. No ifs & buts .. Raising the finances should not be an issue now !!
Joe Clarke says:
July 27, 2026 at 11:31 am
Unbelievable. Still find it hard to credit. I was in the Lower Cusack. The amount of Kerry fellas who shook my hand as they were leaving was amazing. They understood how much it meant.
Anne-Marie says:
July 28, 2026 at 10:30 am
Only 66 comments! Makes sense, given that some of us are still in orbit.
Sean Hallinan and Micko, thank you for making me cry for the 945th time this week. What beautiful contributions.
Haven't had a moment to read, listen, rewatch or absorb any of the madness as seen by the rest of the world, only what I have seen with my own eyes and felt with my heart. I can't want to sit down and start going through the stack of papers, reading the comments here, watching all the videos and reliving it all.
The greatest sporting story of all time, and it's ours. The dog days are indeed over.
I am a broken woman, physically, mentally and emotionally in the best possible way, and I am overjoyed for all of us, for Andy and his team, the lads themselves and their loved ones, but also for those who went before and paved the way for them, especially since 2011. Particularly James Horan, who did so much heavy lifting to get us to this point. Sunday's team and management were standing on the shoulders of giants, and they did every last one of them proud. I was also so overjoyed to see Aidan finally get his moment yesterday at the homecoming, and to hear him belt out 'The River' again, this time with joy.
Thank you John, for everything you have done for us here since the dark days of 2007. What a journey it's been.
I wonder how we as Mayo fans will experience this new chapter in our journey, given that everything has now changed so fundamentally for us. I hope we handle it well and with grace and ambition.
But for now, we will live in the moment and savour every last second of the purest form of joy I have ever been lucky enough to feel.