Mayo's All-Ireland win against Kerry is one for the history books

HISTORY has been made. There was not a dry eye to be found at the big screen in the Mall in the county town of Castlebar as full-time was approached. The crowd danced, shared joy, and screamed their hearts out as Mayo did the impossible.

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The spectators were anxious and quiet before the final point was scored. Sleep was hard to come by the night before, and nails were bitten to the quick. When the last five minutes of play was taking place, it became apparent that all the nerves were all in vain.

The Mayo team have beaten all odds. They have come back from bad luck, rumours of curses, and repeatedly being placed second best in Ireland. They have been crowned the best team in Ireland after 75 years of hardship.

On the streets of Mayo, there have been calls for a national holiday to be announced to celebrate Mayo’s All-Ireland win. While it may be too early to call, employers may have to deal with a less than ideal workplace attendance on Monday, as celebrations continue to erupt across the county.

Mayo Manager Andy Moran has brought a new team to triumph. The man is a credit to his county and his talents will be lauded for many years to come.

Speaking on the win, Michelle Moriarty, 54, from Foxford, said “I’m speechless - and so very proud.”

“We have had such heartbreak through the years,” she says. But today the stars aligned.

Michael Flannery, 61, from Muingingaune said it was “unbelievable. We’re so used to heartbreak.”

Despite heartbreak, the Mayo couple have never given up on the team. The couple eagerly anticipate the homecoming. They state with glee that they booked the next week off work to celebrate the Mayo All-Ireland win.

“We were that sure,” Michael says.

Michael was in touch during the day with his cousins in Texas and Washington, who lit a candle, and prayed for a Mayo win.

Former US President Joe Biden, the Dutch MEP Jeroen Lenaers at the European Parliament, and Noel Gallagher of Oasis have all said the world famous phrase Mayo for Sam. Across the world, support has been declared for those angels in white. The whole country - bar Kerry - wanted the beloved team to win.

Speaking on the win, Máire Ní Fhearraigh - a Ballyvary woman of 20 years - said: “My face hurts from smiling.”

Anticipating the match, she says: “I was quietly optimistic. I think that no team deserves it more.”

The general feeling within the county town of Castlebar is one of gleeful disbelief. The people of Mayo will have a year for it to sink in. There is no tonic like breaking a 75 year streak of losses - and Mayo will lap this win up for the year.

Today, Mayo is living in history.