Mayo v Tyrone: A History

Mayo v Tyrone: A History

Our Championship history with Tyrone is brief. In fact, our first ever meeting in the Championship was in that famous day in 1989. And there’s good news: They’ve never beaten us in the All-Ireland series!

1989 – All Ireland Semi-Final

Our first ever meeting in the Championship came in August 1989. It was 38 years after our last All-Ireland Final appearance, and at the time, it was a relatively rare All-Ireland semi-final appearance as well. We overcame the Red Hand men that day on a scoreline of 0-12 to 1-6 in what was, in truth, a fairly dour affair. It was a little before yours truly’s time (I was 1) so I can only imagine the emotion that day. Sadly, we went on to lose to an excellent Cork side in the final, but it was a famous day which provided us with one of the most iconic Mayo football images of all time.

WillieJoePadden

Photo: http: //spailpin.blogspot.ie/2006/02/green-above-red.html

 

2004 – All-Ireland Quarter Final

When the Qualifiers first emerged in 2001, it opened everything up in the sense that games between certain teams weren’t so rare anymore. 2004 was a year to remember for us in many ways: We had overcome Galway and the Rossies to capture our first Connacht Title in 5 years, we reached an All-Ireland Final for the first time in 7 years, and, perhaps the highlight, we dethroned one of the best All-Ireland Champions the country had known.

Tyrone were hot favourites going into the game despite being pipped in Ulster by bitter rivals Armagh. That day in Croker will go down, for me, as one of the greatest ever days. When you think back to that Tyrone side, it really does put into perspective what our lads achieved that day. Even a fantastic goal from Stephen O’Neill couldn’t stop a relentless Mayo, who went on to finish the game 0-16 to 1-9. David Brady led with a fantastic performance and 3 points from play, with the likes of Alan Dillon showing why he had earned an All-Star that year.

In an incredible day at HQ, Fermanagh also knocked 2002 Champions, Armagh, out of the Championship, setting up a date with ourselves, which we ultimately won after a replay.

 

2008 – Round 3 Qualifier

A frustrating day at the office. From our point of view, one we should definitely have closed out, but lost out by a single point. The frustration started on the Monday, when it was announced that they would be bringing us to Croke Park for a Qualifier, which was unheard of at the time. That meant I couldn’t make the trip and had to watch the game on a tiny TV in the canteen at work. It’s ok, though, because at the final whistle, a work colleague of mine, seeing how upset I was at losing by the minimum, decided to calm the whole situation down by explaining to me that it was “only football”. That’s exactly what I needed to hear.

Conor Mortimer got the only goal of the game but it wasn’t enough to get us into the All-Ireland series that year. Although we led for most of the game, we were slowly but surely clawed back by the Ulster men. Even more frustratingly, Tyrone went on to win a 3rd All-Ireland in 6 years after a phenomenal All-Ireland series where they hammered Dublin, comfortably overcame Wexford and beat Kerry in a roller coaster final (Brian Dooher, remember him?).

 

 

2013 – All-Ireland Semi-Final

We had just annihilated the 2012 All-Ireland champions, Donegal, in the previous round. For a change, we were favourites against a Tyrone side who had slogged it through a long, tough Qualifier campaign, beating Offaly, Roscommon, Kildare and Meath before they put Ulster Champions, Monaghan, out in the Quarter-Final. Remember that day? The day Joe Brolly, bizarrely, questioned Sean Cavanagh’s gender? Aye, that one.

Tyrone with momentum are a dangerous side indeed, something we hope to replicate on Saturday. But in 2013 we were Connacht Champions for the 3rd straight year and aiming to get back into an All-Ireland Final. A sticky first half ended with a brace of fantastic Chris Barrett points which was the catalyst for us to go on and ultimately win the game comfortably. And that was without Cillian, too, as he had gone off in the first half after aggravating that infamous shoulder injury. Alan Freeman stepped up to kick 1-4 in a 1-16 to 0-13 point win. There are very few decent clips from that day online, so just enjoy Chris Barrett’s contribution again!

 

So there you have it – a very brief synopsis of our previous encounters with Tyrone in Championship football. Much like 1989 and 2004, we are travelling up as underdogs, although only very slightly. It’s a massive day for Mayo football, and if you are making the journey east, do your best to get in and shout on the Junior lads in their All-Ireland Final against Kerry. That game throws in at 2pm.

I’m not usually one for the whole “best supporters in the world” lark that players frequently come out with, in all sports world-wide. In fact, I’m usually quite cynical about it. But Andy’s latest one is on the button for me:

“We’re Mayo and we’re in this together.”

Go book your train or bus ticket, right now.

H’on lads!

London Calling

London Calling

London v Mayo 2016 Championship Opener

Well, after a topsy-turvy league and what seems like an endless winter it’s finally Championship time! And it’s an away fixture with a difference once again this year as we travel back to Ruislip to take on London GAA once again in the Connacht Senior Football Championship quarter-final. Mayo fans the world over will be hoping to avoid a repeat of events the last time we made that journey, which left us all wiping the sweat from our brows and breathing sighs of relief after a narrow escape following extra time.

Apart from “London Calling”, “Any tickets?” will be the tune on many supporters’ lips with the game now officially – and predictably – sold out. With no tickets available on the gate, there will undoubtedly be quite a few disappointed supporters who have booked flights and accomodation to London but may not get entry to the ground, with all 3,000 tickets being sold in advance.
London matchday eventsFor further updates and further information or details see: www.londongaa.co.ukfacebook.com/LondonGAA or @LondainGaa. Alternatively, contact London GAA County Board PRO – Declan Flanagan 0044 773 600 9080  or email: pro.london@gaa.ie. For full details and information on tickets and admission, please contact secretary.london@gaa.ie.

London GAA regularly posts updates in the Facebook matchday event: https://www.facebook.com/events/199760367029559/.

Match Day Information

Date: Sunday 29th May 2016 Venue: IRISH TV GAA GROUNDS RUISLIP Throw in: 3pm Gates Open: 11am
Match Programme £5 The game is all-ticket and is officially sold out (19th May)

Getting to Irish TV Grounds Ruislip

Travelling by Tube

One of the handiest ways to get to Ruislip from any part of London is on the tube. Get on the Central Line and head for Ruislip, South Ruislip station is the nearest to the ground, ( about 10 minute walk). There is also a bus stop outside the ground, called the “Polish War Memorial” stop. We’d recommend getting a London “Oyster Card” if you plan on doing a bit of travelling around London. Especially if you travel to the outer zones 1-7, you’ll save a lot of dosh with the Oyster card! You can pick up an Oyster card at any tube station and it can be topped up at any newsagents, unused credit remains on the card indefinitely which is handy.

London v Mayo south ruislip station to ruislip gaa grounds

Travelling by bus

The E7 BUS route stops outside the ground. As an alternative you could take a central line train to Ealing Broadway and catch the E7 directly to the Irish TV GAA Grounds.(Polish War Memorial Bus stop) The E7 Bus runs every 20m on a Sunday until 8pm, then every 30m. You can also take the Metropolitan Line to Ruislip and then take the E7 bus from just outside the station to the Grounds.

Travelling by taxi

You are advised to exit your taxi / cab at South Ruislip Station and continue your journey to the ground on foot and return for pick up after match. Taxis /Cabs are prohibited from dropping off or picking up passengers at the ground between 12pm and 8pm.

The Social Scene – What’s on in London for travelling fans?

As always there will be lots of social events planned around the weekend. You have the week ahead to put in some training!

Friday

Maloney’s Pub Willesden – weekend warm-up

“Moloney’s Bar Would like to wish a warm welcome to the Mayo Club ’51  and all Mayo Supporters on Friday 27th May. To get the party started we have DJ Barry from 8:30pm until late!” There will be two precious tickets to the London Vs Mayo game raffled off with all proceeds going to the Roisin Tansey Foundation.

London calling moloneys bar

Saturday 

Mayo News, Mayo Club 51 & Cáirde Mhaigheo ‘Big Match Meet-Up’ – Oxford Arms Camden

Ourselves, along with The Mayo News Sport and Cáirde Mhaigheo (Mayo and London) will be getting the Saturday proceedings underway with a warm-up gathering and chat in the Oxford Arms, Camden Town. We’re looking forward to availing of Tom’s hospitality and getting the pre-match chat underway. The chat will be recorded for broadcast on MidWest Radio on Sunday before the game. All are welcome to come along and join in the craic before hitting the town for the night.

London v Mayo Big match meet up

Bangor Reunion

The Bangor Reunion are holding a fundraiser in St. Anthony’s Club, Edgware, (HA8 9AN). On Saturday the 28th May 2016 at 8:30pm. Music on the night is by Seamus Moore and tickets are £10 at the door. All visiting supporters and Mayo people living in London are welcome. See the Bangor Reunion facebook page

Thomas McCurtains “Over For The Match”

Thomas McCurtains GAA club in East London proudly presents ‘Over for the Match’ in O’Neills, Leytsonstone – a night of discussion, fun and entertainment. The crew will be joined by some very special guests and GAA icons to talk about the future of London GAA, the match itself and of course have a sneaky look ahead to the rest of the Championship. There will be some great prizes to be won on the night! Tickets are £10 on the door. More info: “Over for the match” event page.

London v Mayo Over for the match-Thomas McCurtains

Achill GAA Social 

Achill GAA will host a social evening in in Angies Bar, Willesden NW2 5SJ starting at 8pm. This will be an evening of music, culture and craic for all travelling to the match and for all Achill /Mayo people in the London area and beyond. There will be top prizes on the night; with a signed Mayo Jersey, match tickets and much more to be given away. Tickets for the social are available from any Achill GAA official, by sending a PM to their facebook page, or in advance from Angies Willesden.  All processed raised will go towards Achill GAA Community Development project.

London v Mayo Achill GAA social in Angies bar Willesden

Irish TV Live Broadcast

IRISH TV are broadcasting LIVE for two hours from the IRISH TV football grounds in Ruislip on Saturday evening. The live preview show will be presented by well-known GAA commentator Brendan Hennessy, with IRISH TV London presenter Ian McDonnell from Balla in Mayo and will comprise a mix of chat, music, entertainment and interviews with some legendary GAA figures as well as a match preview. The good news is that there will be tickets available at the door. People wishing to attend are asked to be there before 7.30 as the show goes live at 8pm. Irish TV will also be raffling of some much sought after match tickets for all those present in the audience, make sure to get there early!

13268316_1203467179693455_9046592152144497713_o

Sunday

London v Mayo After Party

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So there you have it – plenty to choose from over the weekend and of course there’s a thing or two to see in London as well. Safe travels to those of you heading across and to those of you already there, have the kettle on!

The journey begins again – MAIGH EO ABÚ!

Important Patrons Notice /Match Day Regulations

  • Patrons are encouraged to arrive as early as possible before throw in.
  • Admission by ticket only. Please retain your match ticket all times. 
  • Please co-operate with our stewards and match day volunteers in the leading up to the grounds and within the grounds.Our intention is to ensure that supporters enjoy the match in safety and comfort so please follow all safety instructions.
  • Bringing alcohol into the grounds is prohibited. If found on person it will be confiscated.
  • Strictly no parking allowed within the grounds or adjacent roads. You are encouraged to use public transport where possible.Limited disabled parking is available within in the grounds.You may apply for a pass by contacting secretary.london@gaa.ie.
  • Refreshments, Food, and plenty of entertainment available within the grounds.
  • For patrons arriving to attend the After Match Party (5pm) A ground admission fee of £5 will apply.
Tickets for London GAA vs Mayo GAA on sale now

Tickets for London GAA vs Mayo GAA on sale now

While most Mayo eyes are firmly on Dr. Hyde Park for Sunday’s crunch showdown with Roscommon, the Championship is already in sight. This year, Mayo GAA travel to Ruislip, the ground of London GAA to kick off their Connacht Championship campaign on Sunday 29th May 2016.

 

London GAA ticketing arrangments

 

This year for the first time, the fixture will be all-ticket, and tickets have now just gone on sale. Only adult tickets are available online, and according to London GAA tickets for adults, OAPs and students will be available at Ruislip on the day. However demand is likely to be huge. If the crowd of Mayo supporters that travelled to New York in 2014 is anything to by, there’s likely to be a massive contingent crossing the Irish sea, and of course the occasion will be a huge draw for many of Irish diaspora across the UK.

So if you’re planning on heading over, we would strongly recommend that you book your tickets now. Tickets booked during the week and have already arrived in the post!

 

Mayo GAA v London GAA

Cillian O’Connor converts against London in the 2013 Connacht Final in Elverys MacHale Park

 

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Tickets can be bought in the UK from London GAA using the following link:https://londongaa.tickets.ie/.
If you have any questions please contact Mark Gottsche on 07872600074 or email secretary.london@gaa.ie.

UPDATE 29th March:

Tickets are currently unavailable online, however we have been informed by Club London GAA that additional tickets will be going on sale online later this week. Tickets will be available from Ruislip from Monday 4th April.

Roscommon vs. Mayo this Sunday

 

In the meantime, Mayo have a do-or-die fixture this Sunday against Roscommon in Dr. Hyde Park in Round 6 of the Allianz National Football league. Throw-in is at the later time of 3.30pm. Lose, and it’s almost certain relegation to Division 2 for next year, and Roscommon under Fergal O’Donnell and Mayo’s own Kevin McStay have been blazing a trail through Division 1 this year, racking up scores left right and centre. They would be only too delighted to relegate this Mayo team who have been struggling in the League thus far.

Some practicalities – be aware that the Roscommon Easter Parade is taking place at 12.30 and traffic is likely to be heavy. Seating will also be allocated on a first-come first-served basis and the weather is not promised favourable, so if you want to get into the stand get on the road early.

While the arguments could be made that Mayo’s focus justifiably lies elsewhere, and that we have been playing catch-up after a delayed start and a plague of injuries, no-one one wants to see this team lose their status as the longest serving team in the top flight.

It’s the first time this year that the sixteenth man will be needed – we are going into a dogfight, against a well-supported, highly confident team on their home patch, so we as supporters will need to make ourselves count on Sunday. We can’t kick points, but we can let these lads who have given us so many incredible days out know that we are backing them all the way.

We are therefore appealing to every man, woman and child to make some noise and bring a flag on Sunday and let’s revive the famous “Mayo Roar”.

Bring the colour, bring the noise and let’s together get the job done. Maigh Eo Abú!

Castlebar Mitchels – The Final Hurdle

Castlebar Mitchels – The Final Hurdle

There’s nothing quite like the build-up to an All-Ireland final in which your team is taking part, and while the mood around Mayo football isn’t currently at its best after last Sunday’s defeat to Kerry, the feeling around the streets of Castlebar is different. As Castlebar Mitchels approach the final hurdle and All-Ireland Club Final day looms,  every shop and business has some form of Mitchels-themed decoration on display – Main Street is absolutely plastered with red and yellow and when the sun shines like it has been in the last couple of days, it’s a fantastic sight. Even the dogs of Castlebar are getting on board!

Dog

Pictured: A dog in a Castlebar Mitchels hoodie. 

Upsetting the odds

In the past 3 years, this team has toppled some of the biggest names in club football, and have upset the odds while doing so. And when I say they upset the odds, I mean crazy odds like when they were 3/1 to beat Corofin in this year’s Connacht Final. A lot of people capitalised on it that day which made winning a second Connacht Title in 3 years that bit sweeter! In 2013/14, on the way to their All-Ireland Final appearance, the Mitchels defeated Corofin in Tuam, reigning All-Ireland Champions St. Brigids, and Kerry and Munster Champions Dr. Crokes. We came up just short in Croker, but this year they added Crossmaglen to the growing list in an incredible night in Breffni Park to give themselves another shot at the ultimate prize.

This squad is littered with talent, and I should clear something up. When I say they upset the odds, I am talking strictly bookmaker’s odds. I don’t know many Mitchels fans who are surprised at another All-Ireland Final appearance. There was always a feeling that winning the Mayo Senior Championship was a stepping stone to greater things.

On TG4 a few nights ago, former Cork Hurler Donal O’Grady predicted that Ballyboden would go on to win the title. That’s fine, of course it is. It’s an All-Ireland final and anything can happen in 60 minutes of high-intensity football. But his rationale for predicting a Ballyboden win, and I’m paraphrasing here, was because “Mayo teams freeze in Croke Park”. Maybe I’m over-reacting, but that is some seriously lazy, nauseating and frankly terrible analysis. You’d expect to see that in the comments section on a Facebook post, but certainly not on national television. But anyway, that’s beside the point!

On Thursday a couple of thousand will make the long trip east from Castlebar and I’m certain a few more will follow from other parishes, towns and villages all over the county. On my drive home from Claremorris from work every day I pass a sign just outside Breaffy wishing the Mitchels the best of luck in the final. That message comes from their closest neighbours and rivals. It’s great to see everyone rally behind the Mayo and Connacht representatives as indeed we all did when Hollymount-Carramore and Ardnaree Sarsfields took to Croker last month for the Intermediate and Junior finals. It wasn’t to be for them on the day but it was a massive year for Mayo club football with a hat-trick of Connacht titles and All-Ireland Final appearances. Hopefully, the boys from the county town can make it a bit more memorable and claim the Andy Merrigan Cup for the first time in their long and proud history.

12246816_10153956388413296_4282408405942636693_nPhoto: Jarlath Cunningham. For more of Jarlath’s pictures, check out the Mitchels Facebook page. There are any amount of cracking shots from the journey so far this year.

Pride of place is a funny thing. For the last 6 months I have been working in Claremorris – a great town with great people. But it was still a necessity for me to nail my colours to the mast (or tie a small scarf thing on my computer monitor) at the office even though most people don’t really take notice! All in the hope that someone will call in and realise I’m from out of town and maybe talk to me about the match. I love driving home in the evening and I love coming back into the town where you can see red and yellow flags and bunting left, right and centre.

Castlebar Mitchels fever

HA! That’ll show ye!

For me, it’s my hometown taking to the field on Thursday. It would be dishonest to claim that I was a clubman because, frankly, I’m not. They are the ones who put in the hard yards during the year on the training pitch, in the board rooms, selling programmes, teas, sandwiches and sweets during matches while everyone else enjoys the action. I go to all the Castlebar Mitchels games alright with my dad whether they are in town or across the country – The two days in Tuam beating Corofin, the day in the Hyde beating Brigids, Portlaoise for Dr. Crokes and the night in Cavan for Crossmaglen are some of my absolute best sporting memories. That is without even mentioning the Mayo Championship wins over Breaffy.  But most of my free time is spent across the town at a different club – Castlebar Celtic – populated by yet another fine bunch of volunteers who love their club and their town. Most of the lads taking the field on Thursday have dawned the green and white hoops at some stage in their lives, and we even saw Shane “Hoppy” Hopkins parade the colours around after beating Crossmaglen!

Castlebar Mitchels celebrate after beating Crossmaglen Rangers

And that’s because they are all of this town and they have represented it in many different forms, be it green and white or red and yellow. But this week it’s all about the red and yellow, it’s about our county town being in the national spotlight on our national day and for all the right reasons. Hopefully, that spotlight will continue into the night on the 17th. My gut tells me that it will.

H’on the Mitchels!

MayoMark

Heading for the Hills – it’s back to Ballybofey

Heading for the Hills – it’s back to Ballybofey

donegal-gaa-crest-logo_400x400  vs  Mayo GAA crest

Unlike most holidays, the League mid-term break this year feels like it’s dragged on for a long time. That said, it’s probably no bad thing from a Mayo point of view as we nurse our injury-ravaged panel back to health. Now, it’s off to Ballybofey we go.

It’s been quite the baptism of fire for new manager Stephen Rochford who has not only had to start his reign by playing catch-up, but has had to deal with  a significant loss of manpower due to injuries and club commitments. Thankfully, the tide has started to turn a bit in our favour with news that a number of our walking wounded are back in training, and consequently, in contention.

Our thoughts therefore turn to Ballybofey this weekend as we prepare to take on an on-form Donegal. Resurgent so far this year under Rory Gallagher, they will be a big challenge and this would feel like a mouthwatering fixture if we only had a point or two on the board; but this game brings with it the pressure of feeling like a must-win in order to keep us above the drop zone.

Michael Murphy of Donegal GAA chases Tom Parsons of Mayo GAA

Club 51 will be hitting the road for Ballybofey bright and early on Sunday morning. As is customary at most away games, we will be congregating before the game and the venue for this weekend’s meet-up is the Villa Rose Hotel, which has a bar that very conveniently backs on to the entrance of the stand where season tickets are scanned. We couldn’t have planned it better ourselves. They also have a new Sunday bar food menu that we can’t vouch for, but looks pretty damn daycent from where we are. And if you want something fancier there’s an A La Carte Sunday lunch menu too. There’ll be a few gathering there from about 12.30 so if you’re passing do drop in for a cuppa tae or the spuds.

Jackson’s Hotel is another handy spot nearby for a bite to eat and is only a five-minute walk from the ground.

Traffic and Parking in Ballybofey

Mayo GAA have helpfully added traffic info to their website. Be aware that there will be traffic delays coming into Ballybofey on the N15 (i.e. our route) due to road works. There will be temporary traffic lights will be in operation. so LEAVE IN PLENTY OF TIME.

 Here’s the list of car parks:
  • Navenny car park  as you come into town – just past Aldi, take the first right
  • Supervalu Car park – sign at junction into Navenny Car Park
  • Shopping  Centre Car Park beside McElhinneys store.

Barrett’s Coaches will be running their customary bus service from Mayo on the day – call 097 83544 to book your seat. We’ll post further information on buses as we get it.

weather for Donegal match Sunday

Pic via The Met Office

We don’t need to remind you at this point to bring the colour and bring the noise. The Mayo travelling support is quite simply, second to none and we know this Sunday will be no exception. Weather wise its predicted to be dry and sunny but bitter cold. We want to see plenty of those Mayo Bobble Hats and beanies on show!

Just a couple of other bits and pieces before we wrap up this post. Firstly a massive congratulations to Castlebar Mitchels on reaching their second All-Ireland Club final in three years. While we’re itching to see the Mitchels boys back in the green and red we are happy to hold out for another few weeks. The build-up will be something special again this year and we can’t wait to get to Croker on March 17th.

Congrats to to JP Coen and the Mayo hurlers on a stonking start to the National League with two wins out of two so far. Their next clash sees them away to Down on March 6th. Round 4 versus Wicklow is scheduled for Sunday 13th March at 12.45pm as a curtain-raiser to the Kerry game in MacHale Park – it would be great to see a big crew there to support them.

Donegal Gardai v Swinford

For anyone travelling up to Donegal and making a weekend of it, or anyone that would like to see a cracking game of Football, this might be of interest. Full details on SwinfordGAA.ie.

On Saturday 27 February Swinford GAA will play a Donegal Gardai selection at O’Donnell Park, Letterkenny at 3pm. This is our return trip after the Donegal Gardai appearance at the official opening of Robert McCallion Memorial Park in Swinford.

After the game there will be a presentation at the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny.

Also, we couldn’t not share this video. It might only be February, but it didn’t stop this crew from Lisaniska National School getting together to Hit the Diff for Mayo. What a cracking tune! All together now … “Don’t you dare look back, it’s all history ….We won’t rest til we’re the best”

Finally, for those of you not travelling to Ballybofey, the Mayo Ladies are taking on Armagh on Sunday in Round 4 of the Lidl Ladies NFL. The game throws in at 2pm in Swinford Amenity Park, and the Mayo ladies will be aiming to hang onto their 100% record in the League so far. Follow the action here on the Mayo Ladies GAA twitter account.

Safe travels to you all and arrive alive!

Back to the Rebel County for Mayo GAA

Back to the Rebel County for Mayo GAA

On the road back to Cork

Cork GAA crest

Mayo GAA crestGreetings, fellow Mayo GAA fanatics. Time to fill up the tank, check the oil and pack the ham sandwiches  – the first road trip of the year is in sight. Devastatingly cheated out of an away game in the salubrious surroundings of Hyde Park last Sunday week, we have been consoling ourselves since with the prospect of a trip back to Cark, boy, for the second year running. And if it’s anything like last year’s there’s a hell of a weekend in store.

You’ll remember the sickening outcome last year as Mayo conceded a goal with the last play of the game to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Tom Parsons blasted back onto the scene that day and laid down a marker for the year ahead, and if his performances in the FBD League to date have been anything to go by, he is aiming higher for 2016.

The Club ’51 crew will again be making the journey south, some of us that are partial to the drink culture on Saturday to make a weekend of it, others on Sunday morning. And all of us will no doubt be cursing the N20 and Paschal Donohue for making life difficult for everyone crawling along the windy road from Limerick (don’t mention Limerick) and the Real Capital™.

The game throws in at 2 pm in Pairc Ui Rinn,which leaves plenty of time for Mass on the way, and the man in the middle will be the one and only Maurice Deegan. Pairc Ui Rinn is of course Cork’s acting county ground while they spend a few millions worth of your money building a new stadium. There had better be comfy seats, that’s all we’re saying.

Tickets for this match are €10 if you buy them in advance either online or in Centra or Supervalu, or €15 on the day.

Getting There and Parking

(We’ve just copied this info from last year’s post because we work smart.)

  • Getting to Páirc Úi Rínn isn’t too difficult. Anyone that has been to Páirc Úi Caoimh before, it is only about half a mile away. Follow our map below from the City centre.
  • Parking however is not as plentiful as it is around Páirc Úi Caoimh (as limited as that is!). It is all mostly on- street parking around Páirc Ú Rínn so if you’re planning on driving get there early or you’ll have a bit of a trek on your hands and a traffic jam getting out.
  • For anyone that’s driving down either on Saturday or Sunday, if your’re stopping at Supermac’s in Ballindine show your season ticket and you’ll get a free Tea or Coffee! supermacs coffee offer for Mayo fans

Bus Travel 

  • We’re awaiting more info on buses from Mayo and Dublin and will update this it comes in – check back during the week!
  • Barrett Coach’s : coach leaves Bangor at 7am, Crossmolina at 7:20am,  Ballina at 7:30am,  Foxford at 7:40am & Claremorris at 8am. Phone 086-2427347 to book your seat.
  • Bus from Shrule : leaving on Sunday contact Tom Sheridan 087 9256326 for information.

Accomodation, hai

  • Most people travelling down to Cork the day before will have already booked accommodation (some of the more eager among us have it done since last October), but a quick search on hotels.ie and booking.ie reveals plenty of available accommodation for the discerning Mayo GAA supporter. So get on it!

On the Town, boy

  • For any of you planning on travelling to Cork on Saturday, the first Club ’51 pissup meetup of the year will be happening in the inimitable Larry Tompkins’ pub on Lavitt’s Quay from 9pm. No GAA fan needs an introduction to Larry’s.
  • Don’t forget to call into The Shelbour Bar on MacCurtain St. owned by Philip Gillivan from Westport. Last year, anyone calling in on match day before or after the match wearing a Mayo colours and with a match ticket got a free pint of Heineken – we’ll let you know if the offer still stands!
  • Taxis :Add these numbers to your phone just in case you get marooned/stranded/kidnapped/lost in Cork. It happened to some people last year … but we won’t name names – you know who you are. For the rest of you, don’t say we never look out for you.
  • Cork Taxi – 6, Washington Street West, Cork. Phone: (021) 4-27-22-22
  • Douglas Street Cabs – 105 Douglas Street Cork. Phone: (021) 484 7600
  • Yellow Cabs – 3 Courthouse Street Cork. Phone: (021) 487 7777
  • Lee Cabs – 1A Popes Quay Cork. Phone: (021) 439 3977
  • Satellite Taxis – Pouladuff Rd Cork. Phone: (021) 434 7777

 

Bring the Mayo GAA colour, like

mayo flags

The Green & Red of Mayo

Stephen Rochford and his Mayo GAA backroom team are embarking on their first real competitive game after a challenging winter, a very short bedding in period and with an injury-ravaged panel. This is the first big step on another very long journey, so let’s show our support. The more colour we can bring, the better, and the more noise we can make, the better. We’ll be giving our banners and flags another good airing this year, so help us out, bring your own and let’s make that stand a sea of green and red.

There will be no problem outnumbering Cork’s 14 football supporters; in fact, we might need to cheer for them too.

Last but not least – travel safe and enjoy yourselves. These are the days we live for. Up Mayo!!

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