County Mayo erupted in celebration on Sunday after its senior football team clinched the All-Ireland title, bringing an end to a 75-year quest for the coveted Sam Maguire Cup. The dramatic victory over reigning champions Kerry at a packed Croke Park in Dublin saw Mayo overcome a slow start to secure a famous win, with Tommy Conroy sealing the decisive score. The final whistle prompted an outpouring of emotion and jubilation, not just within the county, but from famous supporters across the globe.
Among the most prominent well-wishers was former US President Joe Biden, whose ancestral roots trace back to Ballina in County Mayo. Biden, who left office in January 2025, took to social media to congratulate the team, reiterating his well-known chant of "Mayo for Sam!" The Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, also expressed pride in his Mayo heritage, while Irish sporting legends like rugby star Brian O'Driscoll and golfer Shane Lowry joined the chorus of congratulations.
The victory holds particular significance for fans who believed in a long-standing 'curse' on the team. This myth suggested that following their 1951 win, the team's boisterous celebrations disrupted a funeral, leading a priest to declare that Mayo would not win another All-Ireland title while any member of that team was alive. The passing of Dr Mick Loftus, the last surviving member of the 1951 panel, in April 2023, was seen by many as potentially lifting this hex, paving the way for Sunday's historic triumph.
Even the famously feuding Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel of Oasis, put their differences aside to celebrate their mother Peggy's Mayo roots. Both musicians posted on social media platform X, with Noel exclaiming "Finally!! Up Mayo!!" and Liam expressing his pride. Their shared joy underscored the deep cultural connection many UK residents have with their Irish heritage, particularly when it comes to Gaelic sports.
The intensity of the final, which saw Mayo battle back from an early deficit, captivated an 82,300-strong crowd and millions watching worldwide. For the people of Mayo, a county with a population of just 137,000, this victory is more than just a sporting achievement; it represents the culmination of decades of hope, heartbreak, and unwavering support, finally bringing the Sam Maguire home.