The Girl That Writes About Mayo GAA

It was a day that many Mayo fans will not want to remember as our senior footballers fell short to the rebel county. The TUS Gaelic Grounds was swarmed in a sea of green and red but Cork were victorious on a wet and miserable day for Kevin McStay’s Mayo side.

Mayo’s Ryan O’Donoghue opened the score line between the pair, slotting the ball over the bar in the fourth minute of the first half which was quickly answered by Cork’s Rory Maguire. The one highlight for me in the first half,I didn’t recognise the Mayo team that was on display. Lack of communication on the field, when a player had the ball,no support was offered to the player and the rest of them were standing around like statues. It was typical Mayo football throughout the first half when a player had the ball no support was shown and they had to recycle it back to first player they saw. The fact we were trailing behind a much better but dirty physical Cork team was a sight not to be seen for Mayo fans as the half time whistle blew.

As both teams emerged for the second half, like many Mayo fans I thought it would be one of those games where we’d turn the tables in the second half. Like many Mayo fans will agree referee Paul Faloon couldn’t help hide his Cork jersey he had on underneath us referee uniform, making sure the Cork players knew his favourite colour was yellow.

The second half showed Mayo to be more awake and thriving. Mayo’s chances were looking to turn once Tommy Conroy found the back of the Cork net but our celebrations were cut short when Steven Sherlock beat Colm Reape from the penalty spot to deepen the wound for Mayo fans.

As we await our faith in tomorrows draw, the biggest wake up call for Mayo the fact they got humiliated by a division three team. After todays game it feels as if the reach for Sam Maguire cup keeps getting further and further away. As the next few weeks go on I hope I can backtrack on what I have said today, each year we as fans know the capabilities of our amazing senior footballers but as we know we’re at the stage where silly mistakes are the last thing we should be worried about. We will put today behind us and move on as they say because no matter the result of the day we will always show the support for our boys in green and red.

It may only be April but it’s safe to say I’ve had an eventful GAA season so far. From Saturday nights under the floodlights in the freezing cold in McHale Park, Finals in the COE then the magical League Final in Croke Park. This season I got the opportunity to play apart in match day doing the scoreboard in McHale Park, a little stressful sometimes I won’t lie when the computer froze on me during Mayo vs Kerry, but I don’t let little things ruin my match days.

You’ll never be able to beat the goosebumps before a game, from changing into my Mayo gear after a short shift at work, the pre match coffee, I wouldn’t like to see my life without GAA that’s for sure. After games I said I’d let the traffic go by and waited to meet players after the game, standing at the tunnel with my jersey and autograph book in hand. Many of you who know me personally know how much that book means to me and how determined I am to get my signatures. Whilst the players get ready for their post match meal, there I am just in awe as they come out but remember I have a mission on my hands.

When meeting a new player I have to remember just to go for it and you can see by my pictures I get quite nervous when taking selfies. When I met Jordan Flynn he was curious about the book then I got to tell him the story of my website, the fact he was even interested is still surreal and it’s just moments like this wear I become more grateful having brilliant role models wearing the green and red jersey.

When the opportunity came up to work with Mayo LGFA I said yes in a heartbeat. Getting to be assistant PRO getting to run all social media accounts I’ve been told many times I’m in my element. When our girls played Galway in McHale Park in March I was determined to get my LGFA jersey signed, I waited at the tunnel in for the girls and I don’t think I’ll be able to thank them enough for being so kind and just taking time to talk to me whilst I walked out with Sinead Cafferky with a big smile and a signed jersey.

Being a fan of Mayo football since 2015, the 2023 League Final will be a special day in my heart, from bursting into tears when the green and red blasted through McHale Park, a day for the history books for sure. The iconic red and green shoes were dubbed the lucky shoes and I don’t think I’ve been more prouder to say I’m a Mayo woman.

As I continue my third year spreading my love for Mayo football, sometimes I can’t believe how fortunate I am to be apart of a fantastic community. During a working week knowing you have a match to look forward to is the best feeling to get you through the week. When everyone asks me my thoughts for the weekend before you know it the weekend has arrived.

Whilst the lads are on their long well deserved break, I won’t lie I don’t know what to do with myself. As the days go by all I can think about is how much longer until I see our lads again. The new era of Mayo football is getting everyone excited because we know the potential of our amazing squad. Yes I know a lot of work has to be done before we can think about another final in Croke Park but although it’s only four months into Kevin McStay’s I’m looking forward to seeing what the feature holds.

There’s eight more months left in the year and I can’t wait to see more memories I can make supporting the green and red of Mayo.

It very like the longest wait ever but our lads got the win against a very tough and physical Tyrone side.

Going into the game, I can’t lie I wasn’t expecting us on the victorious side but so proud of the lads after a tough game.

Still getting use to the new rules I was praying our lads would see more of the orange flag because we now realise how crucial they are in any game going forward.

The first half even though it was poor from both sides I felt an improvement in our play compared to the Galway game.

One thing I would like to credit all the new lads coming into the ranks, showing they are well able to line out on the pitch with the veterans.

The difference in crowd support was on show clearly as the Mayo roar overpowered the near silence of Tyrone fans.

Multiple goal opportunities from Mayo were denied by the legendary Niall Morgan but I felt like I was watching such a different Mayo team compared to the Galway game.

As we are still waiting on some return, the win today was a well needed boost for our lads and it’s optimistic positive thoughts going into our game next weekend against All Ireland Champions Armagh.

Wishing the best of luck to our lads next week 💚❤️

Whoever said to never meet your heroes, clearly never met their favourite footballers

After an unforgettable thirteen years, Rob Hennelly has retired from the Mayo senior team.

Making his debut against London in 2011, the Breaffy native went on to win Connacht Titles, League Titles and also picking up one All Star nomination.

It’s been a rollercoaster of ups and downs for Hennelly but no Mayo fan will ever forget that point in Croke Park vs Dublin, Seeing the redemption after years of online hate, finally getting that happy moment.

Setting the standard for goalkeeping in GAA today, pulling off outstanding saves and dress, Hennelly has worn his heart on his sleeve and worn that jersey with pride every time he stepped out on the field.

One thing I’ll forever be grateful for is the time Rob gave me whenever I got to meet him, I’d probably have a hundred tops to sign and he would take the time to sign each one no matter the result of the game, even getting my colleague to hop on my till just because he was in the shop

I was around 13/14 when I started to follow Rob’s Mayo journey, I’m now writing this article 23 years old.

Thinking back through the years and remembering all the memories makes me even more grateful to be from such a great footballing county like Mayo, the era of Higgins, Dillon, O’Shea to O’Donoghue, Conroy, Hession, I always say you don’t understand the magic of Mayo football unless your from the county, we follow these lads all around the country hail rain or shine, makes me more grateful to the amazing players who get to deck out in our beloved jersey.

They say to never meet your hero but I’m forever grateful I got to meet mine.

I could say a million thank yous and it wouldn’t feel enough.

A massive thank you to Rob for the dedication over the years, a Mayo GAA legend.

Happy retirement 💚❤️

An eventful victory in Clones to say the least as Mayo defeated a relegated Monaghan on the final day of our 2024 league campaign.

As our attention turns to championship it was safe to say a trip to Dublin for a league final was the last thing McStay wanted for his squad.

Three rocky losses for Mayo but our campaign ended with a hard fought win over Monaghan, retaining our status in division 1 for another year ahead.

A lot of pundits have suggested that a league final would have suited Mayo more but as always Mayo are unpredictable when it comes to Championship.

Once we arrive home from the states, a game plan needs to be structured properly because it’s not like McStay is short of a talented squad.

With players such as James Carr and Padraig O’Hora, the goal to getting every at their best form.

I wouldn’t be the only Mayo fan that was a bit scared in Clones during the second half but in true Mayo fashion we pull off a win in the last few moments off the game.

A big few weeks ahead for the boys in green but a nice victory to seal off another Allianz League campaign.

After seeing the disappointment from players after our defeat to Derry last weekend and delighted seeing them get their day in Clones

The long road ahead of championship is coming upon us and as always I’m excited to see where the lads take us.

Well done to all our lads today and safe travels to all going to New York 🟢🔴

A David Clifford last minute point winner cemented a Kerry win as Mayo just fall short in Austin Stack Park.

Going into this game Mayo we’re already pronounced the loosing side before the team bus even parked up in Tralee but a somewhat decent performance put up against last years All Ireland finalists.

Mayo’s Fergal Boland opened the score line between the pair quickly followed by Kerry’s David Clifford.

One of the main objectives for any team before they play Kerry, keep David Clifford at bay from the back of your goal, Keeper Colm Reape being kept well alert to keep the Fossa man at bay with a denied goal chance only nine minutes into the first half.

The first half saw Kerry doing well on Mayo’s kickouts with Colm Reape being unable several times to find a Mayo man.

Both Shane Ryan and Colm Reape got comfortable outside their box’s with Shane Ryan getting lucky with a Ryan O’Donoghue safe point in an open goal chance.

An obvious reoccurring problem with the Mayo attack, no support when a player has the ball, Sam Callinan crying out for help whilst surround by three Kerry players, this first came alight against Dublin two weeks ago and is a clear problem that needs to be addressed.

The first half ended Kerry leading by two and it was all to play for in the second half.

Dylan Geaney opened the second half with Kerry’s first point which was quickly answered by Fergal Boland.

Shane Ryan managed to get the ball up to play for his side, nearly making his way to the half way line without a tackle from any Mayo man.

Colm Reape denied Clifford another goal chance whilst Mayo were yearning for one of their own.

Sam Callinan saw a questionable second yellow leaving McStay down to fourteen men.

As we all know the last few seconds of any game can be excruciating, the magic that is David Clifford taking away the draw from Mayo hands, it wouldn’t have been anyone else.

Finishing Kerry 0:16 Mayo 0:15, I wasn’t going into this game thinking we would be victorious but I’m happy we didn’t get embarrassed like many media outlets had predicted.

WE WANT THE MAIN PRIZE

Speaking with Mayo fans, many are siding with the situation to take the league steady and not put all our focus towards it.

Come June we don’t want to make the same mistakes we did last year loosing to lower league teams and a win tonight in Tralee wasn’t on the cards for Mayo.

A lot of lessons to learn from tonight’s game but we know our focus and all we can do is work towards it and prepare for our meeting with Tyrone next week.

As GAA supporters like all counties fans always want what is best for their footballers. We see our footballers as role models/ our warriors who deck out in our county colours to represent on the stage of the GAA.

We have seen a lot of footballers come through the gates of MacHale Park, many who left it all out on the field for Mayo.

The 2024 season has bought many new faces into the Mayo panel the likes of Diarmuid Duffy, Conor Reid but it’s bought back an old face who Mayo supporters were more then happy to see decked out with Mayo football again.

When I saw the team sheet for our league opener against Galway, to say I was happy was an understatement when I saw the return of Fergal Boland.

With success with the Tooreen and Mayo hurlers during his time away from the panel, it’s only fitting to see him back where he belongs decking out in Mayo’s quest for All Ireland glory.

If you ask any Mayo fan I’ve no doubt many will disagree with the decision for Kevin McStay to drop Boland during the 2023 season.

A man who wears that crest with pride and honour, Boland has made quite the return only two games into the league, proving why he deserves a place on that panel with the winning point against Dublin and a superb performance against Galway.

For Kevin McStay looking forward knowing he has outstanding talent to chose from for his starting fifteen, we would like to think Fergal would be too choice knowing what that man is capable on the field.

Reading recent interviews and hearing other people’s thoughts, knowing how dedicated Boland was to getting back, that’s the kind of person I would want representing my county in the GAA world. A perfect role model to kids showing to never give up on your dreams.

An outstanding club man to Aghamore and Tooreen now back to continue his legacy in Mayo football.

It’s safe to say I speak for all Mayo fans we are so proud Fergal is back and better than ever. A excellent start to his return and although we can’t change decisions that were made in the past, the people of Mayo are proud to have Fergal back lining out in the green and red.

Seeing how much he’s improved just two games in, a Cinderella like story unfolding before our eyes.

I believe this season we will see the star that he is on the field and it’s grate to see someone prove the doubters wrong.

Welcome back Fergal !

What has been the longest six months of my life, finally comes to an end with the return of Inter county football.

Now a days many people have the January blues but I’m more happier then ever with the return of Inter county football.

It has been a long time since our semi final loss to Dublin but in the off season I got to learn a lot about myself and what Mayo football really means to me.

Some might say I’m a sunshine supporter not being fully invested in the club championship but no feeling will ever beat the Mayo roar each game.

During time apart I’ve I was counting down to the night we were back under the floodlights in Machale Park.

Now 2023 was a decent year for Mayo football but as everyone says a new year means new fresh start.

If you had said to me this time last year that Dublin would end out All Ireland final dreams, I would have happily laughed in your face and as another season approaches it’s time to start clean and fresh from the get go.

Over the past few months I’ve started to realise how fortunate enough I am to have such an amazing thing like Mayo GAA be a part of me life.

I often say to everyone “I’m a boring shite without football” and many of you have started to realise it whenever you meet me out and about.

For any GAA fan inter county off season is truly the definition of hell, once the final whistle blows in the All Ireland football final we immediately reflect on the year but start counting down until we can see our county warriors line out on the field again.

The 2023 season was probably my best one to date and it will have a job to be beaten. I will always cherish the memories of meeting all the players, being on the edge of my seat in the final minutes of the games and getting to share my opinions of the match until the next one was upon us.

Every time I’d make my way to work, looking by at MacHale Park counting down the days until we were back then hoping this season goes as slow as possible.

What has felt like a lifetime since July when times were tough I’m lucky I have amazing friends and family to rally be through it.

Through the shite days I’m lucky to have friends to remind me life can be more than football and that my life isn’t over just because a situation didn’t work out.

One special memory I have at work one of my friends comes over to me “Chloe one of your favourite Mayo players is in” so I sprint to the checkouts and see Paddy Durcan, even more happy when he says hello.

Come the 28th just being back cheering on my heroes, it’ll feel back to normal.

Under the floodlights in Castlebar in the freezing cold, the feeling of home being back in a community I’m so proud to be apart of.

You never know what to expect in the world of GAA and like always I want nothing but the best for our footballers in 2024.

A new year means new beginnings and I can’t wait to see what the year entails for our footballers.

I always say to people “I’m a boring shite when there’s no GAA on” many people laugh but then stop to realise how quiet of a person I really am without the one passion in my life.

This time of the year I struggle with things to do at the weekend or hoping all the players are enjoying their well deserved break and secretly counting down until I’m back in my second home McHale Park.

Growing up a football fanatic many people I’ve came across in my 22 years on this earth, never get use to the fact a woman knows her sport. I spend my hours ranting on about my thoughts on a certain game or counting down my days until I could see my Mayo men again.

I’ll alway remember my 2023 inter county season as one of the best I’ve ever had. Whenever I would be having a rough week day at work or any moment I felt down, knowing I had a Mayo game at the weekend made everything better.

Ever since July became our All Ireland final date I won’t lie I felt like it was the longest wait ever until January came around again.

There will never be another feeling that will replicate the joy of meeting Mayo players after games or getting a new signature or picture.

The whole reason I started writing about our Mayo men was to give back to players they have made such a positive impact in my life,making me the person I am today.

When something you love is gone for a while, you feel the whole that is left while you wait for it to be filled.

Although I can’t say it to loud I’m secretly counting down until I’m under the bright lights in McHale Park in the freezing cold, cheering on the green and red as loud as I can.

Being the loud GAA personality I am it took me ages to accept I’d be a boring shite if I didn’t have GAA in my life.

I spent many years trying to be ‘normal’ for someone my age and did appreciate the unique gift I have when it comes to GAA.

I often say to people I’d hate to go back to the Chloe I was before GAA came into my life and it’s safe to say nearly three years sharing my love for this sport, I’d never go back to how things were before.

Sometimes we often get asked what we’d say to our younger self if we could go back and it’s a question I often think about.

I love to go back and tell younger Chloe this unique aspect of her would bring her some of the greatest joy in her life.

One thing for sure you can take me out of Mayo but you’ll never take Mayo out of me.

Whilst we all get set for the winter ahead I suppose the one thing to come across in this when times are bad it’s good to reflect on the good times.

Although I’m missing inter county football terribly it’s important to look forward to good times.

Although many of you who I come across think I’m quiet now, once I get to see my boys again in green and red I’ll be back to my usual self 💚❤️

“You may think your light is small, but it can make a big difference in other people’s lives”

Another inter county season has ended but it’s just another year where I am proud to say I’m a County Mayo woman. From the pitch black flood lights on a freezing cold night in MacHale Park, heatwave days football in the sun, I wouldn’t want it to be any other way.

There’s no Chloe without Mayo GAA.
These lads have put my blood pressure through the roof, had me crying with happiness and made me proud to have them wear the green and red jersey.
There was many times after games I’d stay back to see who I could meet and every single player I encountered never failed to make my day. At no time was an autograph or pictured denied, even though my hand would be shaken like a leaf.
I started writing to to give back to the players that have made such a positive impact in my life and 2 1/2 years later I’m still doing it.

Apart from the scoreboard rebooting itself against Kerry in the league, it was class to be able to feel part of match day.

We all know the joys of post match traffic in GAA, after I’d get my bits together I’d make my way to the tunnel and be ready to go when my desired player came out of the tunnel, as many Mayo GAA fans have said this year “I’m a great woman for my pictures”.

When I look at my pictures I’ve gotten this year, so many memories I’ll never forget. The fact that Padraig O’Hora remembered me, Paddy Durcan coming over to me, Tommy Conroy signing my jersey no bother and just hearing “hello Chloe” you had a job to wipe the smile off my face.

Whilst I waited for the players I got to meet some old and new faces of the Mayo GAA community. Many knew you were in the right spot when you saw me near and i got many comments of praise talking about my work.

If you had told me a few years ago, a young Chloe who was the definition of an ultimate girly girl that she’d fall in love with GAA, she’d happily laugh in your face, it’s amazing what a few years can do.

My secondary school leaving cert teacher said one thing that’s stuck with me throughout the years “your very good at personal writing”, I don’t know is it because I’m a Virgo or you have a job to shut me up about sport but I will always me so thankful I created my website to give thanks to the lads who’ve made such a positive impact on my life.

Another county season may be over for our lads but that just means I can start looking forward to seeing our lads once again. From bursting into tears in Croke Park after the League Final, getting to tell Jordan Flynn about my website, Fan Girling over Liam McHale, it wouldn’t be right if I wore any other jersey bar the green and red jersey.

I might not be able to justify how thankful I am to our senior footballers for making such a positive impact in my life but I can think we can all agree they have a fair idea.

I’d like to thank everyone who supported my website throughout the year, time to look forward to club season and the Mayo Senior ladies 🟩🟥

Mayo for Sam 2024 💚❤️

                                                                   Photo:RTE

The Christmas season may be over but GAA fans all over the country got to rejoice as we saw the return of intercounty football.

The year has started with history being made in the dome in the dome in Bekan and fresh new faces making their way onto the senior panel.

Many people tend to not be in a good mood once January hits but us GAA lovers were just counting down until we got to see our beloved teams come back after the long wait since September.

                                                                      Photo:Irish Mirror 

When the news was announced that Stephen would be taking over the captains role from Aidan O’Shea although I was surprised, I was over the moon that Stephen got the opportunity considering not many people know about his success captaining the Mayo Minors and Under 21’s to All Ireland glory and like many I hope we get to see Stephen lift some silverware in 2022.

                                    Photo:Irish Mirror 

It was a day full of nerves and dreams yesterday in Croke Park as Mayo overcame Galway to win the Allianz National Football League Division 1 title. Going into this game many GAA fans had backed Mayo as favourites and it was safe to say another amazing chapter of the McStay era was added to the book.

As I turned in the entrance for the Cusack stand the nervous began but I had to remind myself I wasn’t playing in the game. Once I got my seat I relaxed and watched the second half of Derry vs Dublin whilst counting down until I got to see our boys in green and red. The goosebumps from Takaka Rain whilst are lads took the field meant it was time to put on the performance of our lives. Once the ref threw up the ball and a few moments went by seeing Galway took eight minutes just to get their first score made me hopeful that it was going to be Mayo’s day.

Galway are a team for me where I can never predict their form and I was praying to the GAA gods that the green and red of Mayo would be blasting in Croke Park. The first half was Mayo dominated throughout and like many I was wondering was trick Galway we’re going to pull out of the hat. Mayo were 0-08 to 0-05 and things were looking bright for Mayo. The second half came along and Galway had turned on a switch but it wasn’t good enough to overcome the green and red of Mayo. Everyone played their part on the field but there was one man who shone bright for Mayo Goalkeeper Colm Reape.

The performance by Reape wasn’t a display of a first year player, rather a veteran with many years of experience under his belt. Galway had four goal opportunities that would have ended Mayo’s dreams and it’s safe to say Reape was the saviour of the day, there was many chances I struggled to understand how Colm managed to pull off some saves and like many Mayo people will agree that man has a fantastic future ahead of him wearing the green and red jersey.

Once the final whistle blew I immediately burst into tears as I finally heard The Green and Red Of Mayo blast throughout Croke Park as we all know that team takes us on a rollercoaster each year and Sunday was a day like no other where I was proud to say I’m a Mayo woman.

Celebrations may not have lasted long as we prepare for Sundays Championship game against Roscommon in McHale Park.

With this massive win under our belts I look forward to seeing how our lads do throughout the championship and here it might be to early to say this but Mayo For Sam 2023 🟢🔴



It was a day of a clash between the two top teams in Division 1 and a reunion with some old friends.                                                                            A match where many were certainly on the edge of their seats as Mayo continued their unbeaten run with a 1-16 – 2-11 win over Davy Burke’s Roscommon.

Going into this game from Mayo perspective considering it was in Roscommon’s turf and the great form Roscommon have been in so far, I didn’t think Mayo would do as well as they did.                                              There was no doubt us Mayo fan’s were going to bring the support over the boarder and it’s safe to say our boys did us proud.

Tommy Conroy opened the shoreline for Mayo within the beginning minutes, which took Roscommon twenty minutes to answer with Diarmuid Murtagh slotting the ball over the bar.                                         Mayo had a steady pace from the beginning but many early goal/score chances were missed from both sides.

Mayo went into the lead at half time 0-09 to 0-04 but a lot was still to play for as we entered the second half.                                                            Whatever Davy Burke said to his panel in the second half proved to have made an impact as Roscommon emerged a different team in the second half.                         

Mayo’s Jack Carney found the back of Conor Carrol’s net which was a much needed motivation for Mayo to keep victory on their minds.

I must admit when Enda Smith and Connor Cox found the back of the net knowing how good Roscommon have been so far this season I was scared it would be deja vu like the Armagh game.

Many silly mistakes and missed opportunities were there for the both teams but in true Mayo fashion we managed to get the win.

It’s a well deserved week off this coming week for Kevin and the panel but back up and running on the 19th in Ballybofey against Paddy Car’s Donegal.                                                                                                                 Although we are sitting happily at the top of Division1, we all know any trip up north against a northern team is never easy and whatever Kevin has been doing with the Mayo panel needs to be perfected again on the 19th.

Congratulations to Kevin and the panel on a great win 🟩🟥