Mayo footballers hailed for All-Ireland win 

Mayo’s All-Ireland celebrations were still very much fresh in the minds of councillors as the Claremorris and Swinford Municipal District had its first meeting back after the summer break.

Councillors opened the meeting by paying tribute to the Mayo team, with particular praise for captain Jack Coyne, who hails from Ballyhaunis within the municipal area.

They spoke of the lift the historic victory gave the county and thanked the players, management, and County Board for making it a summer Mayo supporters will never forget.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Neil Cruise opened the meeting by saying that July 26, 2026, will “live long in our memories”.

“A man from our municipal district captained a fantastic Mayo team that won the All-Ireland. As advised, we can stick our chests out and be proud to be from Mayo,” he said.

Cllr Cruise also said the weather had been great for the county and the summer was certainly one for the history books, adding, “I don't think we will have any winter in Mayo this year because we have Sam Maguire."

​Cllr Cruise acknowledged former councillor John Cribbin and said he was “probably the happiest man in Croke Park apart from the players themselves”.

​“I was talking to him at the homecoming in Ballyhaunis on the Tuesday and he was a very happy man, he still hadn’t come down to earth,” he laughed.

​Ballyhaunis-based councillor Alma Gallagher paid tribute to the Mayo captain and his family for the sacrifices they have made throughout his football career and for their dedication to Ballyhaunis GAA Club.

​“We are certainly proud to be from Ballyhaunis because Jack and his family have played an absolute blinder. We are so proud of Jack, Noreen, Paul, and the family, they have made sacrifices all through the years.” ​ 

She mentioned Noreen Coyne in particular, referencing photos that had recently been circulated on social media of her standing supportively on the sidelines of football pitches over the years, watching as her son trained tirelessly until he became captain of an All-Ireland-winning team.

​“The sacrifices and the investment they have put into the team are just unbelievable,” she added.

​Cllr Gallagher also thanked Ballyhaunis GAA Club and volunteers who came together on that Tuesday evening for the famous homecoming.

​“It is a big undertaking for a club to welcome Sam Maguire, there is no rulebook. It's a huge responsibility, from traffic management even down to emptying bins. The club did outstanding work. I was so proud.” ​ 

She also acknowledged her predecessor, John Cribbin, saying he is a “foot taller” since Mayo brought Sam Maguire home.

​“When you see him out and about in town, he certainly has his chest out and is proud,” she said.

​Cllr Damien Ryan added the summer had been a “gamechanger” for the county. He complimented the team on how they have celebrated the win with communities across the county, visiting towns and villages and attending countless events to ensure everyone in Mayo could share in the celebrations.

​“Just to see the schedule that has been rolled out between now and the 21st of December for all the schools,” he said. “Sport is a great part of growing up, and it forms a part of education. Not alone is attending every school an ambitious challenge, but full credit to them."

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.