The Girl That Writes About Mayo GAA

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 💚❤️

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.

                                                                   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 

Of all the jobs in the world of GAA, to be able to put yourself forward for the Mayo job is a task in itself.

The decision is still yet to be made on who will get to wear the Mayo bainisteoir jacket next season and by the rate, this decision is going its feels like an eternity for this decision to be made.

Coming from a fan’s perspective it’s hard to handle the situation when you know you’ll have no input in the decision because all you want is the best for your team.

For the most prestigious job going in GAA at the moment, I’m proud we have great candidates up for the job, Mayo being the team that we are you want the best of the best wearing that bainisteoir jacket for the team I love so much.

This past season we didn’t play at the Mayo level we know we can reach and come January you want the season to start on the right foot.

Whoever gets this job is coming in with a massive chip on the shoulder the history of the last seventy-one years.

All four candidates have exceptional CVs for this job and its times like this you would love to be a fly on the wall at these board meetings.

For me personally, when I look at all four candidates for me it just screams out Kevin McStay.

How I look at it you have Shaw and Dempsey who have conquered the club scene and know what it takes to be successful in club.

My problem with Shaw and Dempsey, they haven’t got enough intercounty experience. A solution I’ve frequently seen online is if either Shaw or Dempsey take time out and get experience in lower division teams and get their cv up and running.

You have both McStay and Solan who have intercounty experience and the two who would be my top two picks for this job.

It has been said throughout the media over the past few weeks that anything can happen in this race.

As we await the decision I want to wish the fortunate candidate the best of luck.

Come January I’m looking forward to the start of a new chapter in Mayo GAA.

It’s another battle with the kingdom for James Horan’s Mayo as prepares to face Jack O’Connor’s Kerry in Croke Park next Sunday in the All Ireland Quarter Finals.

It’s safe to say Kerry were Mayo’s last desired opponents for next Sunday’s clash but they have their two-week break to prepare for the much-anticipated clash.

Like many by halftime against Kildare, I was preparing for the long wait until club football but in true Mayo style we pulled off an amazing second-half comeback to get the well-deserved win.

A saying I heard during the week ” I paid for a full seat but only half was used”.

It’s been eighty days since our national league final defeat to Kerry and we have had the time to regenerate and get back to being the Mayo we all know and love.

Kerry are going into this game favourites but the Mayo panel received great news with Ryan O’Donoghue hopefully on the way to return this Sunday in Croker.

Kerry has been the team to watch throughout the league and provincial rounds and Mayo have been on a rollercoaster of a journey but in true Mayo fashion, they pull off the big wins in the later rounds of the championship.

If Mayo goes into this game in the first half and plays like they did against Kildare go home at halftime while you still have the chance.

Kerry arent the team to be having a late comeback against, Mayo needs to be starting strong from start to finish in order to have any chance of coming out the right side of this fight.

Since their last encounter, the Mayo injury list has become shorter but the main problem on that field is Mayo’s defense.

All eyes will be on the positions each Mayo player will be on the field but defense will be the main source of worry ahead of this sunday, we saw during our league final clash how easy it was for the likes of David Clifford to make it through to the Mayo goal.

This Sunday will be the battle between two of the best teams in the country and as we all know the best team will come out on top.

Both panels have had their time to prepare and theres no doubt it will go down to the nail this Sunday.

Wishing James and the lads the best of luck this Sunday and as always Maigh Eo Abu !

It would never be a Mayo game if we weren’t on the edge of our seats.

It was yet another hard-to-call match in Croke Park as Mayo produced an outstanding comeback to come from behind to prevail to the All Ireland Quater Finals.

It’s safe to say Mayo fans were preparing for the long wait until January and were thinking it was all over by halftime.

Mayo’s Jack Carney opened the scoreline between the pair slotting the ball over the bar within the first five minutes followed by Kildare’s first point by Darragh Malone.

Kildare’s Jimmy Hyland and Kevin Freely started Kildare’s fine form that continued until Cillian O’Connor and Lee Keegan started Mayo’s comeback.

Mayo’s Fergal Boland finally got his long-awaited game time and didn’t disappoint, The Aghamre native was a frequent name throughout the week hoping to see start and like many, I will be hoping we get to see Boland more often on that field.

Even though both teams came into this match with the same goal throughout the first half Kildare were the team who showed power and resilience throughout and like many Mayo fans will agree we didn’t know our team at all in the first half.

Kildare were leading at halftime by three points and had Mayo fans worrying was this the end but Whatever was said at halftime must have been a true eye-opener for Mayo with the surprising but much-needed goals from Oisin Mullin and Jordan Flynn.

The focus now turns to Monday morning as we learn our opponents for the quarter final round.

Mayo fans may have had the long trip back to the west but it was a happy day in a venue we haven’t seen many happy days over the years.

Congrats to James and the lads on a great win and roll on two weeks.

It was a perfect weather day to accommodate a perfect Mayo win as Mayo overcame Monaghan to prevail in the second round of qualifiers at McHale Park.

It was a long-awaited encounter since our defeat to Galway and a match very hard to call for both Mayo and Monaghan fans but Mayo overcame a strong Monaghan side to continue their hunt for Sam Maguire.

It was yet another match where we struggled to predict the outcome and going in we had no doubt Monaghan would be a challenge.

Séamus McEnaney’s side bought the fight to Mayo as soon as the whistle blew and had Mayo worrying in the early stages.

Monaghan opened the scoreline between the pair, with Gary Moohan slotting the ball over the bar in the third minute.

Cillian O’Connor opened Mayo’s scoreline in the sixth minute which started Mayo’s fight to a strong Monaghan side.

There were mixed feelings in the air when Mayo was awarded a penalty, prior to a Conor Mc Manus black card.

Mayo reverted to the tactic of holding on to possession when passing wasn’t optional and made Mayo fans worry that they weren’t going to make it to the finish line.

Referee Barry Cassidy made decisions in Mayo’s favour, denying Monaghan a penalty chance when three points separated the teams.

Mayo fans saw the return of Rob Hennelly and Paddy Durcan and hopefully begin the returns off the injury list.

The focus turns towards this Monday as we await our opponents in round two.

Horan’s men will be happy with the win but it’s time to keep the momentum and focus on the next task ahead.

Congrats to James and the panel on a great win and as always Maigh Eo abu.

The nervous waiting is finally over as we have learned our faith in this year’s qualifiers.

Séamus McEnaney’s Monaghan makes the trip to Hastings Mchale Park next Saturday as Mayo begin their qualifiers journey for 2022.

The injury list hasn’t gotten better for Mayo with the addition of Michael Plunkett but as I’ve said before it’s the time for players to step up and take charge when others are out of the frame.

In their previous meeting in February in Clones, the two teams were always neck and neck by one by a one-point margin and there’s no doubt Mayo and Monaghan fans are in for a thriller Saturday week.

With Mayo having home advantage this time around, it will be interesting to see will being on home soil influences the performance on the day.

Many are relieved to have avoided Tyrone in the draw but Monaghan isn’t a team to be taken lightly, since our last meeting Mayo has lost many bodies due to injury but now more than ever it’s time to step up to the challenges ahead,

It will be interesting to see will being on home soil benefits Mayo in any way following the last meeting being in Clones but as we know they have had plenty of time to get used to McHale Park’s new soil.

With new hopeful news that Oisin Mullin is back training, the race to be fit is on for the lads on the injured list.

Many Mayo fans will be hoping this qualifier bout will not end up similar to 2018’s shocking knockout to Kildare because as we know anything can happen in GAA.

As a fan its always frustrating seeing your team come out the wrong side of things because we all know the potential within the Mayo panel and this sounds odd but we have to go into this game remembering who we are, and were not Cavan/ Cork or Limerick, were the bloody Mayo senior footballers.

Since the dreaded Galway game, they have had a month to clean up the mistakes, and now more than ever it’s time to start realising its time to fight through these qualifiers.

As always they will have the amazing support of the Mayo fans on home soil and we all know the power when all fans are behind their team.

League and Connaught are over now it’s time to get through the battle ahead.

Wishing James and the panel the best of luck as they take on Monaghan next Saturday in Mchale Park, As always Maigh Eo abu !

Most of you who have been following me know that I created this website to be a positive support for our men’s senior panel after the All Ireland defeat to Dublin in 2020.

This year’s league win against Sligo was my first match being a ‘journalist’ and had me thinking about the transition from just watching the game to actually working through them.

To be honest, when I created this brand I never thought it would blow up the way it did and just kept going to see would anything come out of it, Overall it has really helped me simply just be me.

Throughout my school years even though people knew I was GAA and football crazy I was always too scared to be proud of it because it was expected to be ‘normal’. Fast forward ten years later I’m typing this today and will proudly scream from the rooftops “IM THE GIRL THAT WRITES ABOUT MAYO GAA”.

Growing up English was never considered one of my strong points at school but I was good at personal writing. 

I wouldn’t be able to write you a decent essay about whatever poem we were studying at the time but let me write an essay about Mayo GAA and I was away with it.

We all know in the media industry you have to start somewhere and as they say, I had to take things into my own hands and get my feet up and running.

Before I was writing I always remember watching Michael Lyster on the Sunday Game and thought wouldn’t it be a class job to do one day.

For every sports reporter out there covering GAA is the dream and I say to everyone that I meet, I’ll be taking over from Joanne Cantwell one day, if your going to dream why not dream big.

I knew for sure I had the love for the sport but didn’t believe in myself that I could do it. 

No matter if your Jacqui Hurley, Joanne Cantwell, or Joe Brolly your always going to be biased towards your own county and it was scary at first thinking will no one take me seriously because I love my county. 

The difference between watching the game crossing every part of your body too nervously holding your clipboard making sure you don’t miss a beat during the game.

Whenever I meet players like every GAA fan I do be completely starstruck and struggle to form a sentence, but when I’m in journalist mode I’m away with it.

When I think of how things started it was because of my love as a fan.

I like to think I’ve grown up with the Mayo footballers and over the years, As ye all know my favourite player is Rob Hennelly and when I first started following him I was 13/14, I’m turning 21 in four months.

When the lads were getting the abuse I remember saying you have a voice use it and I like to think that’s the most valuable lesson I’ve learned since I’ve stepped into this crazy world of GAA Journalism.

It may only be my second year in this industry but as they say, it’s only the beginning.

I used to be that overly obsessed fan in school, never fitted in to now sharing my love for Mayo GAA with the whole county.

I would do anything to go back a few years and tell that 14-year-old that everything was going to be ok.

If you had told me I would be showing Willie Joe Padden the article I did on him, interviewing Fergal Boland after a game, getting a sit-down interview with Brendan Harrison how on earth did I manage that.

The journey from fan to journalist has been some rollercoaster so far but as we know with Mayo football the journey can go anywhere.

Watch this space