All-Ireland final: 'Go get that dream' - support for Mayo father and daughter

The Mayo LGFA U-16 Gaelic football team is one step away from All-Ireland glory.

The team managed by Francis Regan faces Kerry in the final in Nenagh on Wednesday evening, July 16.

Such a championship run is always full of stories. One of them is, Mayo's captain Amy Doherty is coached by her father Colin.

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"It's a massive day for the county. Any day reaching an All-Ireland final is a massive day. And a special for our family as well," says Mayo U-16 coach Colin Doherty, speaking to The Mayo News on All-Ireland final day morning.

Father and daughter out several days a week for the football does not lead to friction in the Doherty household. The opposite is the case:

"We're football mad in our house," states Doherty: "So there's no 'you shouldn't be doing this' or 'you're doing this, doing too much'.  It's nearly get out there and do it. We're absolutely football mad. My wife Vivian is fully behind everything we do."

And the whole family will be out in big numbers in Nenagh this evening, when the Mayo U-16 team is chasing a title, that has eluded the county since claiming the inaugural U-16 All-Ireland championship in 1976.

There'll be grandparents there, there'll be aunts, uncles, they're all travelling down. And then there's massive support going from from clubs, local clubs, our own club. Buses going as well.

In general, the support from the local communities has been exceptional this year.

A sign wishing Amy and Colin Doherty best of luck
in the All-Ireland final this evening. 

"It's unbelievable this year. The amount of signs that has gone up, the amount of messages I got yesterday evening. We were in the All-Ireland last year as well. But compared to last year, the amount of signs that's gone up, the amount of messages that we've got, is massive."

People called in to the Doherty home on the evening before the final. One of them was senior county footballer and fellow MacHale Rovers club woman Sineád Walsh, one of the finest footballers in the county.

"She just called with a quick card yesterday and a good luck message for myself and mainly Amy. It really fills the young players with confidence and it lit up the mood definitely feeling that support from the community," Colin explains.

And also, among the many well-wishers was Crossmolina Deel Rovers manager Brian Benson.

"We had just finished dinner when he called. Brian took the time out to come over the road and spent a few minutes with Amy. And it was great to listen to him talk to her, too, because obviously they won an All-Ireland title this year as well."

Prominent support for the Mayo team also comes from former Taoiseach and Islandeady native Ende Kenny. He sent a video message on social media.

"Enda is 100 percent right on what he said: If you don't win, it's not the end of the world. It's a massive achievement to get to an All-Ireland final. And for some of these girls, it's a huge achievement three years in a row to be in an All-Ireland final.

Colin Doherty and his daughter Amy after the final 
whistle of the Connacht Championship
Pic: Mayo LGFA

Probably the most admirable support for the Dohertys came from their home club MacHale Rovers.

The club, which comprises Ardagh, Crossmolina and Lahardane, published an emotional tribute to the Dohertys:

"SIDE BY SIDE …ALL IRELAND BOUND A tribute to Amy & Colin and the fantastic journey they have shared together from all at MacHale Rovers. We are so very proud of you"

The message is followed by a poem that begins:

"A father’s hand, a coach's call
A daughter’s passion for football
This Wednesday, under skies so bright
They will face the final, hearts alight"

"It's fantastic. Those little things make all the difference," acknowledges Doherty.

"It's great to see the time and effort is put into it. It takes someone to sit down and to write a poem like that. And it's brilliant that people are doing that."

Maybe this will be their year. Throw-in this evening is at 7.15pm in McDonagh Park in Nenagh. Unfortunately, no livestream is provided.

But you can read all about it here after the match!

The full poem published by MacHale Rovers:

A father’s hand, a coach's call
A daughter’s passion for football
This Wednesday, under skies so bright
They will face the final, hearts alight

An All-Ireland dream, they have made their own
On fresh-cut grass so newly mown
Since childhood days with windswept hair
She chased the ball with fearless flair

At her side through every game
Her family there, calling out her name
A captain now so brave & true
An All-Ireland trophy now in view

We your club mates, cheer with pride
MacHale Rovers by your side
For every tackle & ball you take
We watch in awe at that sprint you make

Enjoy the final, Amy, lead with fire
Your story sets the pitch entire
And Colin, watch your daughter shine
The path you paved, her new design

To Amy, Colin and all the team
We wish you luck – GO GET THAT DREAM!"

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