The ‘Mayo for Sam’ campaign is as much a part of the GAA calendar as the games themselves.
It is a hope-filled campaign that unfailingly springs to life at the beginning of the year, as the people of the west get the overwhelming inclination that this year, this year, they will finally end their painful famine.
Mayo haven’t won an All-Ireland since 1951, but their followers are ambitious, they are loyal, and they are always, unconditionally behind their team.
It is fair to say that this Mayo team has come the closest of any of them, and the entertainment they have given to their supporters, be it heartbreak, be it joy, it is always an emotional rollercoaster.
There aren’t too many certainties in life, but Mayo fan’s loyalty is certainly one of them.
Last year, Mayo came as close as they possibly could have to breaking their duck, when only one point could separate them from Jim Gavin’s all-conquering Dubs after two enthralling games.
The Mayo for Sam brigade has been unusually quiet so far this year, perhaps on the back of a disappointing Connacht semi-final loss to Galway.
A defeat of Derry, and a triumph over Clare has sparked comparisons with last year’s qualifier run, and the Mayo faithful are hoping that this year they can finally clear that last bloody hurdle.
Well, we all saw Conor McGregor’s explicit suit lining during his first press conference with Conor McGregor.
You know the way they say a picture paints a thousand words? This only paints two https://t.co/fnJak6KyKw
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) July 12, 2017
Former Mayo star in David Brady has somehow found inspiration to kick start this year’s ‘Mayo For Sam’ bandwagon from the ideas of Conor McGregor himself.
If @TheNotoriousMMA can pull it off so can I..Watch this space !! pic.twitter.com/NrIgYZvDom
— David Brady (@D9BMayo) July 12, 2017
We will watch this space, David. Your move.
Brady really is optimistic for Mayo this year, and he believes their squad is well placed to end the barren run this year.
“If it was 12 months ago I’d have said they were in a vulnerable place, but I think they are in a very good place. Today is an opportunity to build their panel. the likes of Conor Loftus, Evan Regan: this is the ideal way to build a panel,” as he said on The Sunday Game prior to their victory over Derry.
Some other Mayo fans have been as flamboyant as usual in their Mayo for Sam campaigns.
I was very busy in the bog today… #MayoGAA #Mayo4Sam #StillBelieving pic.twitter.com/5x9eIVnGU3
— Michael Molloy (@MayomanMolloy) July 12, 2017
Good spot, Terry. Coincidence, we think not.
And so it begins #MAYO4SAM pic.twitter.com/NhUtADrRbr
— Máirtin Flannery (@BallyMairtin) July 9, 2017
This is the year for the Yew County.
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