Mayo claimed the All-Ireland title this summer, and with winter fast approaching, the celebrations have continued. Flags were spotted still waving from shops and houses throughout the country more than 80 days after the victory at Croke Park.
According to AIB, pub spending increased by 210% in the three days following the historic win over Kerry. It was not every day a 75-year drought, looming since 1951, came to an end.
The Sam Maguire trophy toured around Co. Mayo, through local clubs, hospitals and primary schools, and is booked and busy right up until December 21st.
On D’Olier Street, a book launch by proud Mayo man and GAA blogger, John Gunnigan, brought out all the Green and Red believers on Monday, October 12th. Including ex-player and current TD Alan Dillon, who came agonisingly close to an All-Ireland win six times.
‘Keeping the Faith’ debut book by Gunnigan follows 60 years of support and showcases “one fan’s perspective on finally seeing the dream come true.”
The Mayo football curse had haunted the county for decades. Generations of Mayo people have passed down their love of Gaelic football without ever witnessing their side lift the Sam Maguire.
On the makeshift stage at the back of Books Upstairs, MC Rob Murphy described how floods of people queued for mass in Corduff to catch a glimpse of the Sam Maguire trophy, post-congregation, that player Jack Carney had brought back to his village. Far more people were in attendance that day than on a regular Friday in September.
From celebrating on the main stage at Electric Picnic alongside The Saw Doctors to riding around their home county on an open-air double-decker bus, this team has truly seen the fruits of their labor.
Mayo football supporters could be riding this high for many more years to come, and I am not sure we can blame them.
