Moy magic as Sam Maguire heads to North Mayo
THOUSANDS awaited Mayo's All-Ireland heroes on the banks of the Moy on Wednesday, as they made the trip from Ballyhaunis to Ballina to kick-start another day of festivities.
As has been so customary, Andy Moran's heroes were greeted by an ocean of green and red in every town and village along the way.
Whether it be Kiltimagh, where homes and workplaces emptied to get a glimpse of the icons, or Bohola, the home of legendary Olympic champion Martin Sheridan, every little twist and turn on the road was festooned with colour.
The biggest crowd, though, awaited in Foxford. Finding a patch of pavement or roadside without a pair of feet on it was a tall order.
The door of the team bus opened, and the two McHales, Cian and Darren, descended to the street with rapturous applause.
The pair, with Sam Maguire in hand, were greeted with cheers that pierced the clouds, treating those present to a brief glimpse of sunshine.
For Paddy Gaughan, a proud Knockmore resident who has made Foxford his home, it was a day unlike any other.
“This is where the curse originated 75 years ago. That's what they say, but I think that's pure rubbish!
“I've been to Croke Park lots of times and been very disappointed. With my hips, I couldn't go the last day; I was watching through my fingers. Today is a dream come true.”
Thankfully, there were no funerals on this occasion as the iconic cup was brought across the bridge before being taken onwards to the next pit stop.
Ballina was a scene like no other. Whether it be the confetti cannons, the flame machines, or Marty Morrissey dancing with Mayo Rose Clara Gardiner in front of what must have been 15,000 people, this day had it all.
Behind the stage, a recording of that fateful Sunday where Sam Maguire was captured played out in glorious technicolour.
Every tackle, every point, every big moment was celebrated as if it were happening in real time. When Darragh Beirne rattled the net, the cheer could be heard in Croke Park. When Tommy Conroy fisted over, and the hooter shrilled, it could be heard in space itself.
Many heroes of Ballina Stephenites and Mayo from yesteryear took to the stage in between musical sets which had the atmosphere cranked up to 90.
“This is about never ever giving up,” former Mayo player David Brady exclaimed to rapturous applause, and right he was.
Behind the stage, though, the Mayo team arrived and embraced with those who ploughed the field in years gone by.
Andy Moran and former team-mate David Clarke shared a chat. Elsewhere, a moment between Aidan O'Shea and Liam McHale as those few privileged enough to be backstage took selfies and got autographs, revelling in being the first on the banks of the Moy to see the Sams (Callinan and Maguire).
The crowd were on tenterhooks. Then came the big moment. One by one, each player and backroom staff member came to the stage to thunderous ovations. Then came the big ones.
The Ballina Stephenites men, Sam Callinan, Liam Golden, Frank Irwin, and Dylan Thornton emerged onto the stage in the ground where they learned their trade.
There were plenty of speeches. Each man spoke from the heart. Andy Moran led the first of many 'Happy Birthday’s for his right-hand man, Colm Boyle, celebrating his 40th birthday.
Sam Callinan led a fine rendition of Rein Me In by Sam Fender, and the place went buck wild as Fergal Birrane, well-known supporter, hoisted Sam high as the players rallied around him.
Afterwards, it was autograph time. The selfies and moments where supporters could have went on until today.
However, it was back onto the bus for Callinan, Coyne, and company, as they kept traveling on this magical tour.