Colin Sheridan: Promise of redemption remains at the heart of Mayo underdog story

If Robbie Hennelly nails his first kick against Tyrone, it sends a message that any foul within 60 yards of goal is punishable. Picture: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Spare a thought for Mayo’s Cillian O’Connor this week. Perhaps the county’s greatest footballer of all time faces the ignominy of watching his team win an All-Ireland — their first in 70 years — without him. Should they, he will be mentioned lots. From the steps of the Hogan Stand to the homecoming in the mall in Castlebar, he will be cited by team-mates and management as a seminal part of the group.

“Without him, we wouldn’t be here.”