Great joy and celebrations whenever a new team broke through to win their first provincial/All Ireland title or after a long absence without winning one. Thinking of Clare footballers '92 , Leitrim '94 , Tipp hurlers '87, Laois, Westmeath and Sligo all winning provincial titles. In hurling finals you think of Galway '80 , Offaly 81, Clare 95, Wexford '96 and Limerick'18 . Football finals evoke memories of Offaly 71/82 , Down 91, Donegal 92, Derry '93 , Armagh '02 and Tyrone 03. All of the above memories will live forever in the folklore of the winning counties but Mayo's win is the most popular of all . The back story of 75 years , 11 finals , years of pain and hurt , close calls and agony. Add in a likeable , passionate and forever hopeful support... a positive manager with zero ego and warrior like players over past two decades. Mayo won a good final playing attack minded football , fought back from 7 points down .. missed chances to pull away but never gave up before clinching it at the end. Claims of people with just a passing interest welling up in tears in counties all over Ireland and beyond sums up how Mayo's win has captured the imagination. It's a long overdue, well deserved win for a great county/ people and our pleasure to witness and see them celebrate.
Replying To CiarraiMick: "I think its wonderful to be part of history.While Kerry have been so successful in football its ironic Kerry have been involved in so many historic finals as losers.
It makes me proud though when I hear people say it makes it extra special to beat Kerry.Thats a compliment to me.In fact the great Kevin Heffernan used to say " beating Kerry in an All Ireland was like winning two All Irelands". I suppose like beating Kilkenny,Cork or Tipp in hurling.
Anyway Kerry being part of historic days 1.Down first All Ireland ever in 1960 v Kerry 2.Offaly s historic win in 1982 3.Armagh s first win 2002 4.Dubs first win aftee 16 year 2011 5.Mayo s 75 year pain is over 2026."
You're absolutely right Mick. A win over Kerry in All-Ireland final is the pinnacle. As you said, like beating one of the traditional hurling counties. It's why the drawn final of 2000 will always be a regret down here. Even though we own two-Irelands either side of it, that first say was a massive opportunity. We had all the momentum at the end and a number of chances to win it.