All-Ireland dream continues for Mayo as Andy Moran's men stand one step away from glory
Mayo's Kobe McDonald. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Lawlor
Mayo are one step away from the promised land.
Who would have predicted that at the start of the year?
The Green and Red were written off after their disappointing defeat to Roscommon in the Connacht Football Championship, but wow, have they turned things around.
As a Wicklow native, I’ve watched Mayo’s championship run from a neutral’s perspective, and I have to say I’ve been particularly impressed by one area of the pitch.
Attending the semi-final, where I had just witnessed my own county triumph in spectacular fashion, also gave me the chance to watch what is, in my opinion, the best inside forward line in the country.
One dummy solo from Darragh Beirne, followed by a brilliantly taken point, had me completely invested in the potential of Mayo’s attacking force - a force that would go on to dismantle Louth by a staggering 17-point margin.
Ryan O’Donoghue, Mayo’s leading marksman for a number of years, continues to perform at the highest level, while Kobe McDonald and Beirne bring a youthful exuberance and abundance of talent that make them extremely difficult to contain when in full flight. On their day, few defences in the country would enjoy the task of trying to curb their effect on a game.
Mayo supporters continue to dream of the day their county finally gets over the line. Kerry will enter the All-Ireland final as clear favourites, but Andy Moran’s side have nothing to lose after navigating this year’s topsy-turvy championship journey.
Having already defied expectations to reach the decider, they can approach the pivotal day with confidence and freedom.
While working with the , I feel I’ve become something of a Mayo supporter myself, hoping to see the Green and Red overcome every hurdle placed in their path.
The Mayo faithful are among the most passionate supporters in the country, and they deserve to see their side lift ‘Sam’ after so many years of heartbreak and near-misses.
Sunday week has the potential to be one for the ages, and I, for one, will be wearing my Mayo cap in the hope of witnessing a historic occasion.
Whatever happens, Mayo have already captured the imagination of many neutrals thanks to Kobe and Co. Now, they stand just 70 minutes away from ending a wait that has lingered for generations.
With this being my final piece for the publication, it feels only right to thank everyone in Mayo for making the past two years such a rewarding chapter in my career.
Working in this county has brought me nothing but joy, and it would feel fitting to see both Wicklow and Mayo holding silverware aloft in the Hogan Stand this summer.
Hon Mayo!
