Reigning young footballer of the year Diarmuid O’Connor is still young – just 21.
When Alan Dillon made his debut for Mayo against Sligo in 2003, his Ballintubber clubmate would have been eight years of age and not even halfway through primary school.
On Sunday they will line out beside each other for the squad photo ahead of the All-Ireland final with Mayo. It will be O’Connor’s first senior All-Ireland final, having won a minor decider back in 2013.
Dillon was playing in the senior match that day as Mayo were beaten by the narrowest of margins by Sunday’s opponents Dublin. It was Dillon’s fourth All-Ireland final defeat, having been on the losing side twice against Kerry (2004 and 2006) and the previous year against Donegal.
For the three most recent defeats Dillon was wearing the Number 12 shirt, but more than likely the jersey he made his own for more than a decade will this Sunday be worn by O’Connor.
Despite his innovative turn as a play-making centre-forward in the first half against Tyrone, Dillon is more a squad player these days. A hell of a sub to have.
Despite, presumably, a fitness issue that has prevented him reaching the heights of his exemplary performance against Kildare in the qualifiers, O’Connor has become one of Mayo’s most important players.
If they are to stick with Dublin on Sunday they will need him to keep John Small occupied, but if they are to put Dublin away in the closing stages they may need the intervention of wily two-time All-Star Dillon.
For Mayo to upset the odds they will need both generations to play their part. If Mayo are to beat Dublin they will need to see a development plan more than 20 years in the making come to fruition.
The wonderful picture below from The Mayo News demonstrates just how long some of this team are on the road and how former fans are now playing side-by-side with their idols to try and win just once.
The GAA Hour took their show on the road to Castlebar to preview the All-Ireland final with Colm Parkinson, James Horan and some very special guests.
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