Good Luck, Mayo on Sunday

THE Liam MacCarthy and Sam Maguire Cups are the two glittering prizes that may come West across the River Shannon in the next two weeks. While Galway hurlers continue their preparations for the All-Ireland S.H.C. final replay against Kilkenny on Sunday week, September 30, all eyes turn to the battle for 'Sam' at Croke Park next Sunday â€â€ Donegal vs Mayo at 3.30, referee Maurice Deegan (Laois). The traditional curtain-raiser, the All-Ireland Minor Football Championship final at 1.15pm is an all-Leinster clash, Dublin vs Meath, referee Barry Cassidy (Derry). History will be made when Donegal and Mayo meet for the first time in an All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final. It will be the first time since 1948 for Connacht and Ulster champions to clash in the final. On that occasion, Cavan (defending champions) pipped Mayo 4-5 to 4-4 in front of a 74,645 attendance, with several thousand more unable to get in. From historic Killala, from Swinford to Calla, Ballyhaunis and Westport and oul' Castlebar, Kiltimagh and Claremorris, Belmullet and Erris, Kilkelly and Knock, that's famed near and far. Balla, Ballinrobe, Ballina and Bohola, Keelogues and Foxford, a few miles below, Newport and Cong and oul' Straide and Manulla, Charlestown too, in the County Mayo. Now boys, pull together in all kinds of weather, Ne'er show the white feather wherever ye go; Act each like a brother and help one and other Like the stout-hearted men from the County Mayo!