May God bless them abundantly and may our own our Lady of Knock guide them to victory. Criost Linn

Best of luck to them. They carry all our hopes and dreams

Best of luck lads...is all in you're hands.

Conor might add something extra around kick outs or even breaking them .
I’m lucky enough to have got a ticket . I wouldn’t go if I didn’t think we had a chance ..
I’m asking all of you lucky enough to go to roar of every turn over , every block , really get behind the lads when Kerry have there purple patch.. Let’s show the lad and management how much we appreciate their efforts, their sacrifices.
We are a proud county with a great passion for the GAA . Let’s show the country why we are regarded as the best , most passionate supporters in the country.
Bring on Kerry . We are coming for you !
Safe travels to all .
Maigheo Abu

Of the first 15, in the league v Kerry, only 10 have survived as well positional changes. We’re in a much stronger position this time around. Team is now more experienced and on an upward trend, also Croke Park suits us better. Hope the weather is good and not too blustery. A new team. A new beginning.. A new all Ireland. Mayo4Sam -dare I mention it !!!

A strong bench attacking wise. I hope we don’t pick up an injury in full back line though

I think that’s a very good starting 15. Loftus has more experience as a playmaker than Towey who’s been more a shooter until the last game. There’s a need for some control and Loftus and Coen give that.They may well be replaced but they have big roles to play and it’s as much about a strong panel these days. There’s a case for Tuohy but given he’s our best fielder bar Aido probably best to have him for overall balance as Kerry have a lot of height between midfield and half forwards. The alternatives there are Diarmaid and Mattie either of whom could make an impact from the bench. Man for man Kerry are overall better so it needs a big performance from lots of lads but they will know that. I think our bench is just as strong as theirs so if we’re in with a shout that evens it up down the home strait.

Some journey from Ruislip to here. This squad has re-ignited a lot of joy for supporters and we are all fully behind them. Maigh Eo Abu

Here’s a wee chant for those lucky enough to be going:
O May, O May, O May, O May, O May, O May!
We’re all part of Andy’s Army,
Green and red from the West!
And we’ll really start a fire,
When we lift the Sam Maguire,
‘Cause Mayo are All- Ireland’s best!

O May, O May, O May! 🎵

Andy doing a great job of getting all supporters 'going mad' & bringing noise - So those of you lucky enough to be inside Croker on Sunday must be our 16th man, surprised Andy didn't put him/her/they on the team sheet :)........... BTW, Whatever happened to Club 51? The flags with the the 1950's crest were magic.

Nice blend of a team , youth and experience. I wish them all the best and hope they get their hands on Sam Maguire this Sunday.

There's something different about this on. Feeling quiet and excited. Almost like the calm before a storm.
I'm expecting we'll see another step up from Mayo. Perhaps a Mayo that people haven't seen.
Let them at it and we'll be on the sidelines to cheer and encourage.
Have no fear of winning. If we get the wind in our sails,vwe need to blow the roof off and drive them home.
Feeling calm, tes. But I know that something special is happening.
Mayo. The land, the seas, the mountains and people. This is our time.
Maigheo abú 🌟

A little sorry for Towey,but he seems to be a team player so will buy into it.
Colm Keys, normally on the ball, talking about an aerial bombardment by Kerry.
Should have plenty of practice for this with the size of some lads in the panel

Best of luck to all players, management, backroom team and all supporters where ever you are. We have nothing to fear here, absolutely nothing, just go for it 100%, nothing held back, full belief. It is our time.

Strong team ! Best of luck to them all it's been an incredible journey this year ! Whatever happens great to be back being competitive again ! <3

KM79 if we did pick up an injury any of the half backs can go back (all 3 have played in there before) and a sub (Kelly, Durcan or Bric) can be positioned in the half backs. For starting quality, I’d give Kerry 9/10 and us 7-8/10. From the bench both teams are 7-8. One area McGinley highlights is legs thinking we may be better equipped. I hope so. If there’s extra time I recall Clifford cramping and being subbed in 2021 vs Tyrone. We need an advantage in some facet of the game, several Kerry returned starters are quality but without much mileage in 2026 so they may flag. They also lost one key sub. The breeze may force more wides than recent games and hopefully even things there too, patience will be needed by fans. If we force fewer of our shots (go for higher % and ignore 2 pointers into Nally/Hill (wind)) that would help. Another element is luck, we’ve had a fair share this year as have Kerry in their last 2 games. Another factor is cards. I can’t recall either team getting a black or red in the championship since Kerry vs Donegal but it’s not unthinkable that could happen to either or both.

Really good point about the noise - 2021 was far too quiet. 2017 was one of the best noise and energy I've seen in a final. The new supporters coming through have added massively to that noise - a roar for every catch, every turnover really could have an impact.

If Mayo bring the "chaos" that everyone talks about (lazy term in my opinion) they'll be disrupting a very measured Kerry team. Noise from the stands can help show that momentum is shifting and that could be crucial at times.

@Shuffly Deck... cards are my fear as well. We need to keep 15 on the pitch for the whole 70 minutes... Kobe will come in for a lot of attention, I hope that Jordan manages to keep the head and that the officials do their job well!

I have a Nally stand ticket, looking to swap for a seated ticket, preferably upper Hogan.

Was Paul towey named to start against Louth

No big surprises in the named squad, really the only spot up for grabs was the number 11 which was a coin toss between Loftus and Towey, we've gone for the more physical option.

Think the 2 named teams will actually start, only possibility i see is a potential last minute Paddy Durcan addition somewhere

A loaded bench with Ruane/Durcan/Conroy/towey/Doc/McHale the most likely to appear.

Poor old Fergie B must seriously be considering throwing his hat at it at this stage. That's 4 managers in a row now

Bit of a funny one that Kerry are a bit superstitious about the 13 jersey being on field captain. It does show a chink in Kerry’s uber confidence.
I think Loftus was named the last day and Towey came in

I'm on day 35 of my 7,380km bike ride from North Cape to Tarifa. I have 6145km down so "just" 1235 to go. I'm taking Sunday off somewhere in Spain to roar Mayo on...hopefully the locals will join me as lifelong lovers of Mayo.

May all the luck in the world be with the lads

AMC I was more thinking Kerry would get cards than us given their temperamental game vs Donegal. They were losing that which may have been a factor. Also they’re probably more cynical than us so officials may pick that up. But either team getting a card influences the game. If Kennelly rightly got a straight red seconds into the Cork final we’d likely be looking at a different record book.

If they can reach the concert pitch of the last day and keep it fluid and run like hell for the 80 minutes and take the 2-pointers, we can win. Flag flying, hopes high, Hon Mayo

Where is everyone going pre game then? Fagans seems to have become the adopted Mayo pre match pub even if its going away from the stadium?

Definitely wont be going croke park hotel, queuing to get in, queing for a pint

We've put our best foot forward in that squad, congratulations and best wishes to them and the management team on Sunday. Let's enjoy it (Mayo plays best when to do), give it a real go, and see where it takes us!!

Well the biggest sporting weekend in our calendar is here.

I wish you all a safe trip to Dublin like ourselves on Sat/Sun.

Delighted to see Conor Loftus named and I wish that man the very best for Sunday.

See ye on the other side up the Kingdom.

Cards? Cards might be an issue for us but I don’t think cards are an issue for Kerry. If they were, O’Connor wouldn’t be on the sideline for the final, he tore off running down the sideline against Dublin complaining about a sideline ball not given to Kerry, right up the linesman and no action taken.

We need refs to start taken action against this behaviour and being backed up by the hierarchy when refs take action against mangers who do it.

Team and panel is as expected. After the last 2 and a half games, not much upside in changing things now.

Very best of luck to the lads. They and management have reignited the enthusiasm across the county with an exciting, forward thinking, honest and utterly committed brand of football. I hope and expect they will do themselves, and us all, proud on Sunday.

Thanks also to WestKerry for his gracious post just now.

@Supermac - Fagans was pure class for the Semi Final, you'd want that atmosphere before heading in

Would always tend to go to Kennedy’s beside fagans on match days .front bar never too mobbed

I think we have to take the team announcement, and with a pinch of salt, But all the luck, with the panel, we due a little luck, had some rotten bits in past. But have to play well, to get over line. Underdogs yes, but nothing to lose, and if we get a start, and maximise our purple patch, which we will have a purple patch in match, no reason cant end 75 years of hurt.

Best of luck lads. We’ll be shouting like mad!

Eejitonabike, well done, that's a brilliant achievement. Enjoy the game !

Everything points to a Kerry victory but maybe a little complacency will creep in. We have to start well and be right in this game 20 mins in. Let's not forget that Kerry were fortunate to beat Tyrone and were handed the match against Dublin by the officials. Let's hope they don't get the same help on Sunday.
Unable t bu
o get a ticket this time as my usual sources have dried up but I will go into Drumcondra imagining I have a ticket, have a few pints and watch it. After all, any time every other time I have been there they have lost agonisingly. Maybe not being there will bring them luck. UP Mayo.

I think Jack coyne should wear the number 13 jersey and see what kerry make of it..if we lose we can say they were right.

What will Kerry do about the 14 jersey if they lose

Eejitonabike..Fantastic achievement..
Am honestly hoping for at least one change to that line up before 3.30 on Sunday.A couple of players listed could get absolutely roasted by Kerry..
What I would give for us to prove everyone wrong..

Anyone have a Hill that they would swap for a Lower Davin 317?

I know there is always a bit of Chaos when it comes to tickets for the final, people who deserve them finding it hard get them, clubs over subscribed etc. Not an easy task. I met a young lad last night from a neighbouring club and I asked him about Sunday he said he didn't have a ticket yet he played for the mayo minors this year!! I was gobsmacked. His club allocation didn't reach to the club minors and the county minors didn't get any from the CB. Surely they should be looked after.

According to Fintan O'Toole in the Irish Examiner, our four standby players for Sunday are Séamus Howard, Fergal Boland, John MacMonagle and James Carr.

Playing players in their natural positions has been a big benefit to Mayo this year. Loftus chb, McBrien midfield, Carney half forward. All out of position against Ros. I hope Loftus isn't picked for defensive duties as he doesn't tackle very well. Same applies to Conroy. I have watched Conroy enough to know his strengths are inside 50 yards on left side. Imagine if he was in same position next Sunday on the left side compared to against Louth when he came in from right it would definitely have been a goal. To think under Horan he was chasing back to the full back line using so much energy. Mayo's full forwards need to reserve energy and let the others defend.

Eejitonabike....I predict you will have to take Monday off as well..celebrations=hangover=. Parked bike.

Yeah a little unfortunate for Towey as he brings other qualities which gave him starts recently.

The problem he faces now is he might be the 2nd or 3rd choice forward off the bench but that's the nature of a big squad

@Regina I am thinking the same and can't seeing anything other than a comfortable Kerry win....but there is the hope that surely the stars will align some day. I think if we can weather the storm, in the first 10-15 mins of each half and be within a few with 10 mins to go anything can happen, but kerry will be on it from the throw in. There'll be no slow build up play like there was against Dublin..there is a lot of 'hammer the hammer' talk from kerry pundits, they are expecting a big win.
I'd be more than happy with a one point win...

I doubt if that team starts - expect personnel and positional changes.
Also expect we will concede 3 goals but despite that & unlike previous finals, we now appear to have a sprinkling of real forwards, who have the potential to keep us in the game or better.
Sustained controlled fury may do the trick - let her rip boys!

I think it's only respectful to players and their families that teams line out as named in the official programme. Allowing for the fact their may be late injuries etc.
We were gangsters for naming dummy teams under previous management and it got us nowhere only lack of reliability trust my media and supporters alike.
Andy has gone in for any of this rubbish and has worked hard to give us credibility.

Mayo Exile if we concede 3 goals we are in serious bother. Didn’t find net v London Cork or Meath, 1 goal v Roscommon Monaghan and Tyrone. We hit Louth for 3 but with all due respect to them, their defence was poor. I actually think we possibly need to score 3 v Kerry and limit them to one. While the 2 pointer has lessened the importance of a goal to a certain extent, they are still great from a momentum perspective and massive for the crowd. The semi final Kerry v Dublin I believe hinged on goals. Dublin hit the woodwork from a goal chance and Kerry went down the other end and got their square ball goal. Even in our semi our goals were expertly timed. Ryan’s early goal and Beirne before half time undid Louthsgood work in the first half while the Loftus goal put the game completely to bed.

I appreciate it's a tall ask (like Sunday) but if anyone is selling a spare, give me a buzz on 0863791560!

Looking to swap a nally stand ticket for a hill 16 ticket
0894054300,thanks.

For first time in years I wont be at the final. Live in the Midlands so going to watch it in Castlebar. Can anyone recommend the best pub in Castlebar for the craic to watch it. Reading some of these comments is giving me goosebumps. The nerves have started kicking in since yesterday. Good luck to the lads. Up Mayo. 💚 ❤️

@martyk, @regina @2hops thank you. I'm doing it for charity. @johngunnigan can I share the donation link in case anyone wins big in the bookies this weekend

Mon Mayo

ForTheLoveOfMayo, big screen on The Mall in Castlebar for the occasion. Pubs, maybe Mick Byrne’s or Johnny McHale’s but get in early to get a spot.

For the love of Mayo. Huge screen on the mall for the game and a large crowd should ensure a good atmosphere. Mick Burkes would be a good spot or the Clubhouse at McHale Park.

Haha. When I posted Blackrock Exile appeared above me. Not collusion!

No fear. No pressure. Just go and enjoy themselves.
This is the first final in my lifetime of going ('89 being my first) that I cannot wait for and am really looking forward to it. I went into most other finals with trepidation and anxiety, but this one is pressure free. Regardless of even if we get beaten, well it's not the first time it happened, no one died, a new season came around and we went again. And if the worst happens this time, then so be it.
I just don't think it will. There's "something" about this game on Sunday, I can't put my finger on it. Of course we can do it. We have pace, ability, fitness and some brilliant players. So have Kerry. I just think sometimes things occur that defy logic and the bookies betting slip, I just think this is our year.
I can't wait for Sunday.

The large screen at the Mall will prob get a huge crowd. Blackrock exile is spot on with pubs..Coadys us another good option.Mick Byrnes will be tight for space I imagine.

Youd really have to think that the ticket allocation process for finals needs to be reviewed. Not enough tickets actually gets to the two participating counties. Tickets to every club in the country for a money making raffle business. And not everyone of them are above board as local GAA club members seem to end up winning a decent percentage of them. Tickets sent all over the world then. Many of the people in corporate boxes mightnt even bother looking out the window for the duration of the game. And now to add to all this. We now have social media influencers getting Tickets for the day to put up their nauseating perfectly filtered content for the day. Its all a bit of a farce really. The people who actually put in the important volunteer work behind the scenes all year are usually ticketless for the big day. Sure its all about the money with the GAA at the end of the day.

Eejitonabike - yes, please do share that link. As someone who is fond of life on two wheels, I’m in awe at what you’ve taken on there.

Probably a shot in the dark but if anyone is selling a spare ticket can they give me a shout, 0833070435

@Overthe bar94. I have hill ticket and will swap with you.How do we contact each other.

Would also swap Nally for hill16 ticket

Overthebar1994, I have a Hill 16 to swap for that 317

Best of luck to them give it all you can possibly give and don't leave Croker with any regrets

Same as others - but if anyone has one spare ticket please let me know.

You'd have to say that when they redeveloped Croke Park they underestimated how popular our games are and another 20,000 tickets would still be snapped up double quick. I know it wouldn't be needed for most of the games during the year but for the championship semifinals and finals it would surely make it worthwhile and take a lot of the anxiety away from supporters. A 100,000 sell out at Croke Park has a nice sound to it.

Love that post Pebbles. Been at every final myself since 89 and I've never felt more relaxed coming into the Big Day. No trepidation, no pressure, no fear. No great expectations. Just go and play with freedom and leave everything out there.
If we lose, we lose, we've dealt with that plenty of times before. We'll rise again!
But somehow I think there's something different in the air and this may well be our year.
Roll on Sunday !!

Onwards and Upwards

Nice touch: Athlone Railway Bridge Going Green & Red for Mayo
https://share.google/q6fdyhDtmVmswzOOZ

Sorry:
https://share.google/q6fdyhDtmVmswzOOZ

In Spain for this one thank god. 13 finals. Couldn’t stomach another one. But that’s just my own take on it.
We will have a right job I think.
We will need to be well ahead to win as they will get all the 50/50 calls as is the norm.
Ref needs to be strong. Wishful thinking when kerry involved im afraid.
To all the mayo people. Enjoy

Looks like the Croke Park groundsmen have being on the magic mushrooms again this week.

Like in the hurling final, the pitch is covered in various shades and shapes of green, done by lads off their heads, on ride on mowers.

Totally unnecessary. Just leave the pitch the way it should be.

Thanks John
The donation link is here https://coco.enthuse.com/pf/daithi-heneghan-nct60460 and the link to the event is here. I'm number 61 (Eejitonabike) https://www.northcape-tarifa.com/2026-tracking/

Hon Mayo

Best of luck to Mayo team + subs & Andy Moran + backroom team,
They are in the All Ireland final just because they deserve to be there.
A very good team that will do very well on Sunday, Tear into Kerry from the throw in, don't let them build up a lead early on, stay focused & fight for every ball, Up Mayo.

Thank you Willie Joe for your wonderful blog,it certainly keeps us up to date with all the news,the very best of luck to Mayo team and management, we can certainly beat Kerry,we just have to play with no fear and our considerable skill ,we can surprise everyone and win easily,a really fantasy game no repeat of eighty one,or ninety eighty five and we will be celebrating for weeks,up Mayo

Mayo by 4 points we are doing it and we will win for sure it’s coming

I just can’t see it lads. Kerry have been tested at a much higher level, coming up against Donegal, Armagh, Tyrone and Dublin, Mayo simply haven’t faced the same calibre of opposition.

A lot of Mayo scoring comes from turnovers and transition play but Kerry are one of the best teams in the country at protecting possession and limiting those opportunities. If Mayo can’t generate the same volume of turnovers, I think they will find it hard to create enough scores against a side that is much more battle hardened.

User name "John" is too generic so has been changed in the above comment to "John 2026". Please either use this handle or come up with a different distinctive one that isn't already in use by someone else.

Sure what's the point in going to the game or even watching it if one believes that its going to be Kerry again.

This game will be closer than we think.
It will come down to scores as all games.
The notion that there is a full forward line in the game now is incorrect.
Its basically 3 forwards and many in the middle.

For the first time in a final Mayo has the better subs bench.

I actually think both teams are very similar and closely matched Mayo to finally win and give me that journey to Castlebar on Monday that I have dreamed about.

Best of luck lads for Sunday. Nothing like All Ireland Final day. Not jealous at all. Play with no fear and most importantly enjoy the occasion. Hoping by the time Sunday evening rolls around, you are having one hell of a celebration. Safe travelling to everyone heading up here.

Glad to see that the dreaded "Mayo for S.." mantra has fallen out of favour among Mayo supporters as it carried the burden of expectation. Maigh Eo Abú is much more elegant.

Cheers Hill 16

Looking to swap a nally ticket for a Hill 16. Please anyone. Contact me on 0876735647

Come Sunday, Mayo people all over the globe will be huddled in bars, hunched over their laptops and peering at their projectors, swaddled in green and red. Most wishing they were back on Erin’s shores for this one hour and a bit.

Give it socks, lads.