Can Paddy’s historic boots help hand Mayo All-Ireland glory?
The boots Mayo’s Paddy Prendergast wore in their 1951 All-Ireland victory over Meath pictured in Rose’s Bar, Creeslough, Co. Donegal, where they are on display.
Can Paddy’s historic boots help hand Mayo All-Ireland glory?
The boots of Mayo football legend Paddy Prendergast sit proudly on display in Donegal pub A dusty pair of old leather football boots once worn by one of Mayo’s last All-Ireland winners, Paddy Prendergast, sits proudly on display in Rose’s Bar in the village of Creeslough, Co. Donegal.
They are the very boots he wore when they last claimed the title in 1951 when they defeated Meath 2-8 to 0-9.
Paddy was the last survivor of the starting team in 1951, passing away aged 95 in 2021.
He said some time before that it was his dying wish to see Mayo win another Sam Maguire. Will the long wait end this weekend?
Owner of Rose’s Bar, Lorcan Roarty, said he has a keen interest in collecting sporting memorabilia for his bar as many people, local and visitors alike, often call in to watch the games on the big screen, enjoy the atmosphere and look at the memorabilia adorned walls.
They include a jersey signed by the Irish Women soccer team when local woman Amber Barrett's goal saw them qualify for the Word Cup. Also Donegal jerseys worn in Ulster title winning games by Donegal stars Christy Toye and Michael Langan, and a glove worn by boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, among others.
He said a local man, Eddie Boyle, bought Paddy’s boots at an auction and gave them to him to display them in the bar, which is nestled on the Wild Atlantic Way. They have sat proudly in the corner in a glass case for the past couple of years and have become a great talking point among GAA fans.
Paddy Prendergast started his intercounty career with Donegal while stationed in Dungloe with An Garda Síochána before returning to his native county.
“We always enjoy meeting people from around the country and many call in to Rose’s Bar on a Saturday evening or Sunday for a bite to eat and a drink while the games are on TV. A lot of them often stop to look at the boots and read the history of them, along with the other items on display. It’s always good for a bit of banter,” said Lorcan.
The question now remains can Paddy’s boots bring them the luck they need to dethrone reigning Champions Kerry and usher in a new era in Mayo football?
The answer will come on Sunday next.
