Mayo's All-Ireland victory was 'way more than just a win' for Mayo diaspora
Former Ireland footballer Kevin Kilbane said Mayo's win over Kerry means so much to 'everyone across the world with Mayo blood in their veins'
For former Republic of Ireland International footballer and Mayo GAA supporter, Kevin Kilbane, Sunday's All-Ireland victory over Kerry 'was way more than just a win'.
Mayo's three-point victory over the Kingdom in Croke Park ended a 75 year wait for Sam Maguire to come west and for the Mayo diaspora living all over the world it was as special for them as the thousands who packed into Croke Park.
For Kevin Kilbane who now lives close to Toronto in Canada it was an emotional experience witnessing the All-Ireland victory on the other side of the Atlantic and having to tune into Mid-West Radio for the final.
In the aftermath of the victory, he penned an emotional account of what it feels to him and countless others of the Mayo diaspora who did not grow up in Mayo but have 'Mayo blood in their veins’.
“This was way more than just a win to the people of Mayo,” he wrote on social media.
“Seventy-five years in the making with many living their whole lives without ever seeing this day.
“This team means so much to everyone across the world with Mayo blood in their veins. To everyone who left Mayo in search of work and a better life. Whether they found it or not most had a deep love for Mayo GAA which has been passed down through generations.”
A native of Preston in England, Kilbane's father Patrick Farrell was a native of Achill Island and born days after the 1951 All-Ireland victory but passed away ten years ago 'without ever seeing his beloved team getting hold of Sam Maguire'.
He said that along with his siblings he grew up in Preston 'as proud Irish people with a love for Mayo' and 'getting dragged to Chorlton Irish Centre as kids to watch a big match made us who we are'.
Since retiring from professional football in 2012, Kilbane was able to spend more time following the Mayo team around the country in their quest for All-Ireland glory and paid a special tribute to Andy Moran and the Mayo team for delivering Sam to Mayo.
“To the players on the team who have been burdened with so much pressure over the last 75 years, especially over the last 15/20 years. Facing ridicule and abuse at times. With social media abuse off the scale, they kept coming back again and again in search of history every year.
“Not forgetting that they all faced the abuse while being amateurs and playing for the love of the game, county and what the GAA stands for without any financial gain. You made us all proud and congratulations to you all.
“The near misses in countless finals, semi-finals and quarter finals, many of which I watched or attended, have created a bond between fans and players rarely seen in sport.
“I have loved following this team for years, sharing your great days with friends and family. Win or lose.
“To Andy Moran for finally getting us over the line. A special player who's had his fair share of heartache in a Mayo jersey but had the self belief and determination to get the job done.
“To a country decimated with emigration for centuries but always having a love for him. This one is for its people. Mayo is one of the greatest places on earth with the greatest of people. This one's for Mayo people wherever you are in the world!”