Why Mayo couldn’t say no to Duffy
The first when he was just 14. His club, Ballina Stephenites, were beaten by Down’s Mayobridge in the 1995 Féile football semi-final. Because that year’s event was being hosted by Mayo, thousands had gathered to watch the home team play. Afterwards the visiting supporters gathered outside the dressing room to ask for Duffy’s autograph. They knew what Mayo people knew for a while. This guy was a unique talent.
Fast forward four years when he was a county minor in Croke Park on All-Ireland final Sunday against Down again. Duffy was named in midfield and picked up Benny Coulter, who played against him four years earlier. After 22 minutes Coulter broke behind the Mayo full-back line following a long punt and stuck it in the net. Mayo lost by a goal.
