“Maybe that was their objective to wind us up. If it was, they succeeded” – Ciaran Whelan
“In fairness to the Hill fans – great fans for Dublin, but no better fans to upset” – Conor Mortimer
August 27th 2006. It was the day when Mayo took the Hill. All-Ireland semi-final Sunday and the winner would face Kerry. Sound familiar?
Micky Moran’s side arrived at Croke Park with the singular intent of planting their flag. They had reached a final in 2004 but had fallen short.
2006 was the year to go one step further – to win Sam.
Paul Caffrey’s Dublin were in their way.
Mayo’s players set down a marker before the first ball was passed, punched or kicked in anger. They camped down in front of Hill 16 and carried out their warm-up in from of Dublin’s most fervent fans. Torrents of abuse flowed down upon then.
The Dubs bulled for the red flag. The rushed to their traditional end and threw some shoulders.
The match couldn’t start quick enough.
Mayo struck first before Dublin rallied to lead, at one stage, by eight points. Mayo were not done yet. Through Ciaran McDonald and current captain Andy Moran, the impertinent visitors pulled themselves out of a hole.
In the death-throes of a pulsating game, Mayo hit the front through some McDonald magic and Dublin, when it really counted, could not respond.
History is written by the victors.
Here, two of the game’s key protagonists, Ciaran Whelan and Conor Mortimer, relive the infamous encounter.
Brought to you by AIB GAA, proudly Backing Club & County. Follow AIB GAA on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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