The roar was something else when the famous cup was carried off the ferry. A proud and emotional morning for the people of Clare Island.
Mayo beat Kerry in the All-Ireland final on Sunday, July 26, to end their 75 year drought, after losing at the final hurdle eleven times since 1989.
Andy Moran and his management snatched the ultimate prize in their first year in charge, helped by a crop of young players complimenting an experienced team. Especially Kobe McDonald, Darragh Beirne and Eoin McGreal caught the eye, while Ryan O’Donoghue delivered footballer-of-the-year performances over the course of the knock-out stages.
1. Sam Maguire on Clare Island
Kate O'Grady
2. Clare Island Ladies Gaelic football team who were the All Ireland Island Champions for 2026. Pictured below with Sam Maguire and the Oileáin Na hÉireann cup.
Kate O'Grady
3. Carl O’Grady on the left and Chris O’Grady on the right. Chris was at the last final Mayo won in 1951 to watch his friends play. This is his second time holding Sam at the age of 93.
Kate O'Grady
4. Brian O’Grady and Kate O’Grady, operators of Clare Island Ferry Co. O’Grady’s bringing Sam Maguire to Clare Island.
Kate O'Grady
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