Through Mayo and the paradox of winning

Dara Waldron, the bestselling author of the memoir A Sheepdog Named Oscar drove home to Limerick, via Mayo, after the All-Ireland football final. Here he recounts the emotions and memories felt as the county erupted from its 75-year slumber.

Mayo manager Andy Moran during the All-Ireland final. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

I WATCHED last month’s All-Ireland final between Mayo and Kerry in Enniscrone, a small seaside village in west Sligo that borders Mayo.

Surrounded by Mayo-affiliated family members, I was, like many Galwegians, overwrought with joy.