Ten points down and a massive come-back being orchestrated by the Dubs. Perched on the edge of our seats, hearts thumping in chests, expletives escaping from our mouths, breathing stalled. Could our worst fears ever be realised? Could our county withstand such a harsh reality? The answer to that is no? Could our boys recover? Who knows and thankfully now we will never have to wonder because the mighty Mayo men were magnificent last Sunday.
No way on the hallowed Croke Park soil were they going to let Dublin snatch victory from their grasp and deny them a place in the final.
Roll on Donegal. Roll on the hunt for tickets. Roll on Croke Park on September 23.
James Horan’s men demonstrated a steely resolve last Sunday to secure that remaining All-Ireland final spot and then ‘The Green and Red of Mayo’ rang out loud through the speakers of GAA headquarters.
The Dubs were stunned, rooted to the spot in Hill 16. So confident were they of victory before the game and then so sure that despite Mayo’s 10-point lead they would claw their way back. They nearly did it. We were shaking and quaking in our proverbial boots. ‘Come On You Boys In Blue’ was reverberating around the stadium as their team began to close the gap.
And the snide remarks could be heard. They thought we were soft, naive maybe. But they did not bank on the maturity and resolve that this team have in abundance.
As men succumbed to cramp, writing in agony on the green, green, grass of Croker, and others might have opted for a little lie down to run the clock down, we played the Dubs at their own game.
They did not like it on the Hill and the boos were coming. But Gaelic football is more than just booting a ball from end to end. There are the all important tactics, and where we might have failed in years past James Horan and his backroom team had their men well versed.
A 10-point annihilation would have been no good, especially coming on the back of such a comprehensive win over Down. No, it was better this way, despite all the injuries sustained. Characters were built. Men had to dig deep into the reserves and put pain aside. Grey hairs probably grew but they give a look of distinction. It will make our Mayo men more stately and self assured as they face up to Donegal.
It was such a proud, proud, day to be a Mayo woman in Croke Park. We have had proud days before and we will know them again. But it was a moment to savour when the referee finally called time on proceedings. Seats sprang upwards as the Mayo crowd leapt to their feet, hugging and kissing and back slapping their neighbours beside them.
And yes, we know we must not get carried away. Donegal have a fierce desire to bring Sam home too. But surely they do not know the heart ache we have felt these last two decades. Dear Sam, please do not abandon us this time as we prepare with precision for our September date with destiny.
Our children would love to lift you high above their heads as you travel the by-roads and back roads to our country schools. Clubs will have parties in your honour. You will be revered and worshipped during your year in Mayo. We will take great care of you - polish you, take pictures of you, rub and caress you. It will be a special year in your life and one you will not forget for the kindness you will encounter each and every day. We are waiting, don’t keep us hanging much longer.
