Christmas Eve is almost upon us, with the big day itself coming down the tracks straight after with what feels like almost indecent haste. Are we ever really ready for Christmas? Does it matter if we’re not? It’ll soon be over for another year. At Christmas every year, there’s always time to look back on the year that’s sliding inexorably […]
It’s been one hell of a decade for thrilling matches involving Mayo. Endless Championship jousts – particularly with Dublin, Kerry and Donegal – have produced a series of unforgettable moments and the task of trying to select a top three is no easy feat. As we approach the end of this decade, I took a stab at picking my three […]
All the greats are known by just one name – Pele, Maradona, Ronaldo, Messi. You say the name “Andy” to any man, woman or child in Mayo, from Belmullet to Ballaghaderreen, and they will instantly know who you refer to. After all, there was, is, and ever will be only one Andy. I, like most other people heard the breaking […]
I tried not to get excited but how could you not? Meeting up with John, Rob and Co. in Bowe’s on Fleet Street on Friday evening would make even the calmest of men giddy. The Guinness was flowing as was the chats and while Tom McLoughlin gave a prediction of a Mayo win as we stood outside and recorded the […]
Up Mayo no matter where you go. Isn’t that what they say? I haven’t been doing much hupping for my county this week at all. In fact, it’s been the complete opposite for me. You see, I work in an office that is bombarded with Dubs and work for a website that focuses on all things Dublin. When writing about […]
It’s a running joke ever since I can remember amongst friends that the McLoughlin family rocks up to every Mayo game three hours before throw-in. Beating the traffic, finding a good parking spot to make a quick exit post-game and having a few pints beforehand is a ritual of my father’s. Work colleagues, GAA-affiliated or otherwise, from all corners of […]
In this crazy, week-to-week Championship run we’ve been on all summer, it’s as if each day has its allotted role. If that is the case then today is the one where – all too briefly – we bask in the pure, unalloyed enjoyment of the win the lads secured the day before. What a win it was. In watching the […]
Mayo confounded the critics and bookmakers alike with a “men versus boys” display to defeat Donegal and earn their place in the All-Ireland semi-final. Next Saturday evening will most likely see Mayo take on the Dubs in Croke Park but that can wait until tomorrow. Tonight is about savouring a special victory and a special bunch of players. It was […]
It’s game day. And a big one – a match that’ll either provide us with our ticket for next weekend’s All-Ireland semi-final or else will end our inter-county year. Everything is on the line this evening at MacHale Park in Castlebar where Meath’s David Gough will be throwing the ball in at 6pm. As I mentioned yesterday, it’s set to […]
God, I badly needed that weekend off. Five weeks in a row was taking its toll on the body and the wallet – Newry, Castlebar, Limerick, Killarney and Dublin were all frequented in June and July. It felt like I was playing Discovering Ireland as a kid again! The young lad was happy with the weekend off too as he […]