All-Ireland Series Sam Maguire 2026

[DaleCooper]

Mayo were not "the second greatest team evah". They definitely beat themselves in a few.

Its why 2021 was first time Tyrone folk were confident of a win.

Tyrone had excellent sides losing in 2 finals before breaking through. The sheer desperation to win just one we can relate to.

Only 2 of Mayo 2021 side started 2026 final with 4 off bench. Incredible and hope Tyrone take heed given our supposed "conveyor belt".

[Tubberman]

https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2026/0727/1585248-castlebar-braced-for-monumental-mayo-homecoming/

I don't get this line from some of the Mayo ones. No one was laughing at Mayo over the years. They were just about the only team to go toe to toe with that Dubs team and come out with a lot of credit. Aside from the 04 and 06 finals, they were as good as team that played the game. I can see why Mayo management might say that behind closed doors to get players focussed but the reality is they were a very good side that just up against some other really good sides.

People absolutely were laughing and sneering at Mayo over the years.

There's been constant jibes and jokes at our expense and when you try to stick up for yourself as a Mayo person you were told to relax and it's only a joke.

Well listening to that for years and years from people who hardly kicked a ball themselves gets very hard to take, but there was nothing you could say, you just had to give a false smile and try to move the conversation on.

That has now all changed. I think Sunday has changed Mayo people, not just Mayo football.
As Jack Coyne said "Stick out your chest and be proud to be from Mayo".

Thank you Jack, Andy, all the players of 2026, and all the players and management over the years who all had to shoulder the same condescending comments and helped to bring us to where we are today - champions of Ireland.

Thanks also to all the posters on this board for their genuine congratulations and heartfelt tributes, it means a lot.

I'm soaking up every minute of these days, and I'm not being an ungracious winner, but I had to get that off my chest 

Ah thats class to read. You's deserve every minute of the celebrations- most of the stick is probably from jealous Rossies . Mayo were my second team for years if I'd to pick one, the f**k up in 2021 put me off them given who beat them that day but absolutely delighted for the whole county this week. Enjoy and look forward to welcoming you's all to Armagh in the league.

2021 broke the resolve of a lot of Mayo people, I wasn't sure I could ever let myself get as invested in it again after that loss.

Thank God I stuck with it, Sunday and the last couple of days have been unbelievable, the sheer joy is wonderful to see.
I think everyone is letting themselves truly enjoy it, there's no longer a risk of it somehow ending in disaster.
I had my young fella beside me in Croker, his first final and they win the thing - he has no idea the heartache he has been spared 
It's brilliant for him and all the youngsters coming up and who might be lucky enough to go on to represent Mayo - they will never have to play with that burden, they'll be judged on their own performances, not the weight of 75 years.

[tonto1888]

Mayo were not "the second greatest team evah". They definitely beat themselves in a few.

Its why 2021 was first time Tyrone folk were confident of a win.

Tyrone had excellent sides losing in 2 finals before breaking through. The sheer desperation to win just one we can relate to.

Only 2 of Mayo 2021 side started 2026 final with 4 off bench. Incredible and hope Tyrone take heed given our supposed "conveyor belt".

2018 and???

[Rossfan]

https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2026/0727/1585248-castlebar-braced-for-monumental-mayo-homecoming/

Ah thats class to read. You's deserve every minute of the celebrations- most of the stick is probably from jealous Rossies . M

Jealous!!!
Sure we bet the sh1te out of them in the real thing.
Lucky for Mayowestros we didn't seriously partake in that All Ireland consolation competition or we'd have given them an even bigger batin.

[DaleCooper]

Obv talking 1986 and 1995. Of 95 team only 1 man started 2003. Some interesting parallels with youth/old guard combo.

Its magic and Mayo should enjoy 75 days of partying at minimum

[GaillimhIarthair]

https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2026/0727/1585248-castlebar-braced-for-monumental-mayo-homecoming/

I don't get this line from some of the Mayo ones. No one was laughing at Mayo over the years. They were just about the only team to go toe to toe with that Dubs team and come out with a lot of credit. Aside from the 04 and 06 finals, they were as good as team that played the game. I can see why Mayo management might say that behind closed doors to get players focussed but the reality is they were a very good side that just up against some other really good sides.

People absolutely were laughing and sneering at Mayo over the years.

There's been constant jibes and jokes at our expense and when you try to stick up for yourself as a Mayo person you were told to relax and it's only a joke.

Well listening to that for years and years from people who hardly kicked a ball themselves gets very hard to take, but there was nothing you could say, you just had to give a false smile and try to move the conversation on.

That has now all changed. I think Sunday has changed Mayo people, not just Mayo football.
As Jack Coyne said "Stick out your chest and be proud to be from Mayo".

Thank you Jack, Andy, all the players of 2026, and all the players and management over the years who all had to shoulder the same condescending comments and helped to bring us to where we are today - champions of Ireland.

Thanks also to all the posters on this board for their genuine congratulations and heartfelt tributes, it means a lot.

I'm soaking up every minute of these days, and I'm not being an ungracious winner, but I had to get that off my chest 

Ah thats class to read. You's deserve every minute of the celebrations- most of the stick is probably from jealous Rossies . Mayo were my second team for years if I'd to pick one, the f**k up in 2021 put me off them given who beat them that day but absolutely delighted for the whole county this week. Enjoy and look forward to welcoming you's all to Armagh in the league.

2021 broke the resolve of a lot of Mayo people, I wasn't sure I could ever let myself get as invested in it again after that loss.

Thank God I stuck with it, Sunday and the last couple of days have been unbelievable, the sheer joy is wonderful to see.
I think everyone is letting themselves truly enjoy it, there's no longer a risk of it somehow ending in disaster.
I had my young fella beside me in Croker, his first final and they win the thing - he has no idea the heartache he has been spared 
It's brilliant for him and all the youngsters coming up and who might be lucky enough to go on to represent Mayo - they will never have to play with that burden, they'll be judged on their own performances, not the weight of 75 years.

Ye are worthy champions Tubber and of course ye can only have massive pride in what that team achieved on Sunday. Winning Sam has been a noose around yer neck for so long and the outpouring of emotion has been great to see, especially from the older supporters who have suffered for so long.  All the hoodoo BS is gone now, no burden of historic failure for the new generation. 
I hope our gang give ye a guard of honour in the league next year to mark the achievement and then bate the shite out of ye!  But enough about next year, enjoy the weeks and months of celebrations, nothing will ever top this win. Comhghairdeas

[whitey]

https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2026/0727/1585248-castlebar-braced-for-monumental-mayo-homecoming/

I don't get this line from some of the Mayo ones. No one was laughing at Mayo over the years. They were just about the only team to go toe to toe with that Dubs team and come out with a lot of credit. Aside from the 04 and 06 finals, they were as good as team that played the game. I can see why Mayo management might say that behind closed doors to get players focussed but the reality is they were a very good side that just up against some other really good sides.

People absolutely were laughing and sneering at Mayo over the years.

There's been constant jibes and jokes at our expense and when you try to stick up for yourself as a Mayo person you were told to relax and it's only a joke.

Well listening to that for years and years from people who hardly kicked a ball themselves gets very hard to take, but there was nothing you could say, you just had to give a false smile and try to move the conversation on.

That has now all changed. I think Sunday has changed Mayo people, not just Mayo football.
As Jack Coyne said "Stick out your chest and be proud to be from Mayo".

Thank you Jack, Andy, all the players of 2026, and all the players and management over the years who all had to shoulder the same condescending comments and helped to bring us to where we are today - champions of Ireland.

Thanks also to all the posters on this board for their genuine congratulations and heartfelt tributes, it means a lot.

I'm soaking up every minute of these days, and I'm not being an ungracious winner, but I had to get that off my chest 

Ah thats class to read. You's deserve every minute of the celebrations- most of the stick is probably from jealous Rossies . Mayo were my second team for years if I'd to pick one, the f**k up in 2021 put me off them given who beat them that day but absolutely delighted for the whole county this week. Enjoy and look forward to welcoming you's all to Armagh in the league.

2021 broke the resolve of a lot of Mayo people, I wasn't sure I could ever let myself get as invested in it again after that loss.

Thank God I stuck with it, Sunday and the last couple of days have been unbelievable, the sheer joy is wonderful to see.
I think everyone is letting themselves truly enjoy it, there's no longer a risk of it somehow ending in disaster.
I had my young fella beside me in Croker, his first final and they win the thing - he has no idea the heartache he has been spared 
It's brilliant for him and all the youngsters coming up and who might be lucky enough to go on to represent Mayo - they will never have to play with that burden, they'll be judged on their own performances, not the weight of 75 years.

After 2021-I had officially given up

The 2 preventable (soft) goals followed by the missed penalty were more than I could take (after 2017)

I had actually planned to go for a 2 hour hike last Sunday and leave my phone in the car and check the score when I got back.

Luckily my sons persuaded me to bring them into Boston and watch it in a pub.

When Flynn hit the crossbar and Kerry went down the pitch for a 2 pointer-I got that old familiar feeling. I went outside the bar....just couldn't take it any more


DOC was interviewed and he actually left the stand and retreated to the dressing room for the last 10 minutes-LOL-and lo and behold - COC was already there watching on a TV.

Once the final point was scored the ran back out to celebrate after all the heartache over the years

[EoinW]

Christ after that Midwest commentary, Mayo should be made give back Sam. The two men sounded like they were trapped in a field with a maniacal bull charging at them. The pity its gone global with Tommy goals passing the ball over the bar (better safe than sorry as the man sez) when Kobe could have scored one of the most sensational goals in GAA history for the global audience.

LOL!  The gentlemen doing the play by play seem to have forgotten that fans might be listening who needed the game described to them in a coherent way that they could understand.  Clifford WIDE, that's all I could comprehend and I had the advantage of seeing the final 2 minutes.

[tonto1888]

https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2026/0727/1585248-castlebar-braced-for-monumental-mayo-homecoming/

I don't get this line from some of the Mayo ones. No one was laughing at Mayo over the years. They were just about the only team to go toe to toe with that Dubs team and come out with a lot of credit. Aside from the 04 and 06 finals, they were as good as team that played the game. I can see why Mayo management might say that behind closed doors to get players focussed but the reality is they were a very good side that just up against some other really good sides.

People absolutely were laughing and sneering at Mayo over the years.

There's been constant jibes and jokes at our expense and when you try to stick up for yourself as a Mayo person you were told to relax and it's only a joke.

Well listening to that for years and years from people who hardly kicked a ball themselves gets very hard to take, but there was nothing you could say, you just had to give a false smile and try to move the conversation on.

That has now all changed. I think Sunday has changed Mayo people, not just Mayo football.
As Jack Coyne said "Stick out your chest and be proud to be from Mayo".

Thank you Jack, Andy, all the players of 2026, and all the players and management over the years who all had to shoulder the same condescending comments and helped to bring us to where we are today - champions of Ireland.

Thanks also to all the posters on this board for their genuine congratulations and heartfelt tributes, it means a lot.

I'm soaking up every minute of these days, and I'm not being an ungracious winner, but I had to get that off my chest 

Ah thats class to read. You's deserve every minute of the celebrations- most of the stick is probably from jealous Rossies . Mayo were my second team for years if I'd to pick one, the f**k up in 2021 put me off them given who beat them that day but absolutely delighted for the whole county this week. Enjoy and look forward to welcoming you's all to Armagh in the league.

2021 broke the resolve of a lot of Mayo people, I wasn't sure I could ever let myself get as invested in it again after that loss.

Thank God I stuck with it, Sunday and the last couple of days have been unbelievable, the sheer joy is wonderful to see.
I think everyone is letting themselves truly enjoy it, there's no longer a risk of it somehow ending in disaster.
I had my young fella beside me in Croker, his first final and they win the thing - he has no idea the heartache he has been spared 
It's brilliant for him and all the youngsters coming up and who might be lucky enough to go on to represent Mayo - they will never have to play with that burden, they'll be judged on their own performances, not the weight of 75 years.

After 2021-I had officially given up

The 2 preventable (soft) goals followed by the missed penalty were more than I could take (after 2017)

I had actually planned to go for a 2 hour hike last Sunday and leave my phone in the car and check the score when I got back.

Luckily my sons persuaded me to bring them into Boston and watch it in a pub.

When Flynn hit the crossbar and Kerry went down the pitch for a 2 pointer-I got that old familiar feeling. I went outside the bar....just couldn't take it any more


DOC was interviewed and he actually left the stand and retreated to the dressing room for the last 10 minutes-LOL-and lo and behold - COC was already there watching on a TV.

Once the final point was scored the ran back out to celebrate after all the heartache over the years

you all, yes even you Whitey , deserve this. I am not surprised some of you had been ready to give up given all you have been through. Enjoy the celebrations for however long they last. Looking forward to welcoming you to the AG next year, Maybe you will have even sobered up by then

[whitey]

https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2026/0727/1585248-castlebar-braced-for-monumental-mayo-homecoming/

I don't get this line from some of the Mayo ones. No one was laughing at Mayo over the years. They were just about the only team to go toe to toe with that Dubs team and come out with a lot of credit. Aside from the 04 and 06 finals, they were as good as team that played the game. I can see why Mayo management might say that behind closed doors to get players focussed but the reality is they were a very good side that just up against some other really good sides.

People absolutely were laughing and sneering at Mayo over the years.

There's been constant jibes and jokes at our expense and when you try to stick up for yourself as a Mayo person you were told to relax and it's only a joke.

Well listening to that for years and years from people who hardly kicked a ball themselves gets very hard to take, but there was nothing you could say, you just had to give a false smile and try to move the conversation on.

That has now all changed. I think Sunday has changed Mayo people, not just Mayo football.
As Jack Coyne said "Stick out your chest and be proud to be from Mayo".

Thank you Jack, Andy, all the players of 2026, and all the players and management over the years who all had to shoulder the same condescending comments and helped to bring us to where we are today - champions of Ireland.

Thanks also to all the posters on this board for their genuine congratulations and heartfelt tributes, it means a lot.

I'm soaking up every minute of these days, and I'm not being an ungracious winner, but I had to get that off my chest 

Ah thats class to read. You's deserve every minute of the celebrations- most of the stick is probably from jealous Rossies . Mayo were my second team for years if I'd to pick one, the f**k up in 2021 put me off them given who beat them that day but absolutely delighted for the whole county this week. Enjoy and look forward to welcoming you's all to Armagh in the league.

2021 broke the resolve of a lot of Mayo people, I wasn't sure I could ever let myself get as invested in it again after that loss.

Thank God I stuck with it, Sunday and the last couple of days have been unbelievable, the sheer joy is wonderful to see.
I think everyone is letting themselves truly enjoy it, there's no longer a risk of it somehow ending in disaster.
I had my young fella beside me in Croker, his first final and they win the thing - he has no idea the heartache he has been spared 
It's brilliant for him and all the youngsters coming up and who might be lucky enough to go on to represent Mayo - they will never have to play with that burden, they'll be judged on their own performances, not the weight of 75 years.

After 2021-I had officially given up

The 2 preventable (soft) goals followed by the missed penalty were more than I could take (after 2017)

I had actually planned to go for a 2 hour hike last Sunday and leave my phone in the car and check the score when I got back.

Luckily my sons persuaded me to bring them into Boston and watch it in a pub.

When Flynn hit the crossbar and Kerry went down the pitch for a 2 pointer-I got that old familiar feeling. I went outside the bar....just couldn't take it any more


DOC was interviewed and he actually left the stand and retreated to the dressing room for the last 10 minutes-LOL-and lo and behold - COC was already there watching on a TV.

Once the final point was scored the ran back out to celebrate after all the heartache over the years

you all, yes even you Whitey , deserve this. I am not surprised some of you had been ready to give up given all you have been through. Enjoy the celebrations for however long they last. Looking forward to welcoming you to the AG next year, Maybe you will have even sobered up by then

Thank you

I can guarantee you one thing...if I hadn't quit drinking years ago, I would have been on the first plane out of Boston for Dublin on Sunday evening

[DaleCooper]

E Fitzmaurice told a story about Clifford when he was first on the scene, how his strike of a ball reminded him of a pro golfer.


Anyone hear the whack ROD hit his 2pt effort in 1st half. Almost like he was angry the first one didnt go over.

Some guy uploaded RTE coverage with MidWest radio over it


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FjMa-he40VE&t=2120s&pp=ygUXa2VycnkgbWF5byAyMDI2IG1pZHdlc3Q%3D

[seafoid]

https://x.com/amanpour/status/2082530486438539738/mediaViewer?currentTweet=2082530486438539738&currentTweetUser=amanpour

[trueblue1234]

https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2026/0727/1585248-castlebar-braced-for-monumental-mayo-homecoming/

I don't get this line from some of the Mayo ones. No one was laughing at Mayo over the years. They were just about the only team to go toe to toe with that Dubs team and come out with a lot of credit. Aside from the 04 and 06 finals, they were as good as team that played the game. I can see why Mayo management might say that behind closed doors to get players focussed but the reality is they were a very good side that just up against some other really good sides.

People absolutely were laughing and sneering at Mayo over the years.

There's been constant jibes and jokes at our expense and when you try to stick up for yourself as a Mayo person you were told to relax and it's only a joke.

Well listening to that for years and years from people who hardly kicked a ball themselves gets very hard to take, but there was nothing you could say, you just had to give a false smile and try to move the conversation on.

That has now all changed. I think Sunday has changed Mayo people, not just Mayo football.
As Jack Coyne said "Stick out your chest and be proud to be from Mayo".

Thank you Jack, Andy, all the players of 2026, and all the players and management over the years who all had to shoulder the same condescending comments and helped to bring us to where we are today - champions of Ireland.

Thanks also to all the posters on this board for their genuine congratulations and heartfelt tributes, it means a lot.

I'm soaking up every minute of these days, and I'm not being an ungracious winner, but I had to get that off my chest 

Ah thats class to read. You's deserve every minute of the celebrations- most of the stick is probably from jealous Rossies . Mayo were my second team for years if I'd to pick one, the f**k up in 2021 put me off them given who beat them that day but absolutely delighted for the whole county this week. Enjoy and look forward to welcoming you's all to Armagh in the league.

2021 broke the resolve of a lot of Mayo people, I wasn't sure I could ever let myself get as invested in it again after that loss.

Thank God I stuck with it, Sunday and the last couple of days have been unbelievable, the sheer joy is wonderful to see.
I think everyone is letting themselves truly enjoy it, there's no longer a risk of it somehow ending in disaster.
I had my young fella beside me in Croker, his first final and they win the thing - he has no idea the heartache he has been spared 
It's brilliant for him and all the youngsters coming up and who might be lucky enough to go on to represent Mayo - they will never have to play with that burden, they'll be judged on their own performances, not the weight of 75 years.

I had my young daughter at the AI final in 2021. Her first ever time in CP and only her second maybe third Tyrone game in total. She was absolutely blow away. The problem was she just thought that was the normal. She hadn't experienced any of the pain, disappointment and utter despair of the years when things went wrong. Talk about setting up false expectations! 
Unfortunately she's had a few years since to give her a bit more of a grounding on expectations. Often think that it would have been better to get her through a few barren years first to understand how big it is to win, to fully comprehend the occasion. Without the pain, I'm not sure the joy would taste as sweet as you can see over the last week or so.
I have to say, she was so invested in Mayo this year, that it was nearly as good as 21 for her.

[Armagh18]

https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2026/0727/1585248-castlebar-braced-for-monumental-mayo-homecoming/

I don't get this line from some of the Mayo ones. No one was laughing at Mayo over the years. They were just about the only team to go toe to toe with that Dubs team and come out with a lot of credit. Aside from the 04 and 06 finals, they were as good as team that played the game. I can see why Mayo management might say that behind closed doors to get players focussed but the reality is they were a very good side that just up against some other really good sides.

People absolutely were laughing and sneering at Mayo over the years.

There's been constant jibes and jokes at our expense and when you try to stick up for yourself as a Mayo person you were told to relax and it's only a joke.

Well listening to that for years and years from people who hardly kicked a ball themselves gets very hard to take, but there was nothing you could say, you just had to give a false smile and try to move the conversation on.

That has now all changed. I think Sunday has changed Mayo people, not just Mayo football.
As Jack Coyne said "Stick out your chest and be proud to be from Mayo".

Thank you Jack, Andy, all the players of 2026, and all the players and management over the years who all had to shoulder the same condescending comments and helped to bring us to where we are today - champions of Ireland.

Thanks also to all the posters on this board for their genuine congratulations and heartfelt tributes, it means a lot.

I'm soaking up every minute of these days, and I'm not being an ungracious winner, but I had to get that off my chest 

Ah thats class to read. You's deserve every minute of the celebrations- most of the stick is probably from jealous Rossies . Mayo were my second team for years if I'd to pick one, the f**k up in 2021 put me off them given who beat them that day but absolutely delighted for the whole county this week. Enjoy and look forward to welcoming you's all to Armagh in the league.

2021 broke the resolve of a lot of Mayo people, I wasn't sure I could ever let myself get as invested in it again after that loss.

Thank God I stuck with it, Sunday and the last couple of days have been unbelievable, the sheer joy is wonderful to see.
I think everyone is letting themselves truly enjoy it, there's no longer a risk of it somehow ending in disaster.
I had my young fella beside me in Croker, his first final and they win the thing - he has no idea the heartache he has been spared 
It's brilliant for him and all the youngsters coming up and who might be lucky enough to go on to represent Mayo - they will never have to play with that burden, they'll be judged on their own performances, not the weight of 75 years.

I had my young daughter at the AI final in 2021. Her first ever time in CP and only her second maybe third Tyrone game in total. She was absolutely blow away. The problem was she just thought that was the normal. She hadn't experienced any of the pain, disappointment and utter despair of the years when things went wrong. Talk about setting up false expectations! 
Unfortunately she's had a few years since to give her a bit more of a grounding on expectations. Often think that it would have been better to get her through a few barren years first to understand how big it is to win, to fully comprehend the occasion. Without the pain, I'm not sure the joy would taste as sweet as you can see over the last week or so.
I have to say, she was so invested in Mayo this year, that it was nearly as good as 21 for her.

Ah you definitely need that hurt. 2002 we'd been knocking on the door for a few years but had a couple of Ulsters to keep us happy which was great. 2024 I always had a feeling since the 2021 Monaghan game that we weren't a million miles off the big boys but needed to kick on and obviously that bit of luck to go on a run, add the 4 heartbreaks on penalties and then the relief to win the big one was unreal.

Mayo's hurt has to be on a different level, managed to lose finals in any was conceivable between own goals and red cards and missed chances, add in talk of curses etc and the joy they'll have felt on Sunday is amazing   

[highorlow]

Cheers for all the accolades here lads and lassies.

I'm just about alive but still buzzing.

Best days of our lives. I felt something was stirring after Clones with this absolutely brilliant bunch of young lads led by Andy and his crew.

Thanks again all, the wests awake.