Andy Moran leads Mayo to first All-Ireland senior football title in 75 years

There are great celebrations in Ballaghaderreen, Ballyhaunis and surrounding areas on the Mayo/Roscommon border this evening (Sunday) in the aftermath of Mayo’s sensational victory over Kerry in the All-Ireland senior football final.

There were scenes of jubilation and unconfined emotion around Croke Park and beyond as Jack Coyne from Ballyhaunis became the first Mayo captain in 75 years to get his hands on the Sam Maguire Cup, taking over the baton from Ballaghaderreen’s Seán Flanagan who was captain in 1951.

For Mayo manager, Andy Moran, it was the highlight of a decorated sporting career as his young, brave side deservedly got the better of Kerry by 1-20 to 1-17.

Afterwards, Moran admitted that he said a little prayer to his mentor and friend — the late John O’Mahony whose Galway team were honoured on the 25th anniversary of their triumph earlier in the day — as Kerry pushed for an equaliser with a minute remaining.

“After 69 minutes there, I said a little prayer to Johnno. Johnno’s team was here earlier, 25 years — my mentor, my friend. He tried twice with us.

“After 69 minutes I did. We have a little friend called Aidan Drake who passed away last year. I have to say I said a little one (prayer). I said Johnno, I need you now, and he came up with the goods,” he told RTÉ.

Moran went on to praise his home town of Ballaghaderreen, who was also represented by centre-back David McBrien on the Mayo starting 15, saying that he was very proud of where he came from.

“Listen, my town — it’s a Roscommon border town with Mayo. The people are brilliant. To me, it makes it exciting. Other people hate it because some people support Mayo and other people support Roscommon. I think that makes it great.

“When we were coming up today, there were Roscommon homes with Mayo flags. We have a great village, a great town. I love being from there. I’m very proud of it, and we’ll just try to keep building,” he concluded.