Bernie McHale sees Mayo lift Sam for third time at 94 yearsage

A MAYO man living in Menlough for over 60 years is among the few supporters to have witnessed Mayo's three All-Ireland football final victories at Croke Park since 1950.

Bernie (Bernard) McHale is 94 years of age and he celebrated his heart out with his son Bernard McHale and other Mayo supporters after the final whistle blew on Sunday to herald Mayo's first Sam Maguire success in 75 years.

Originally from Sandhill in Burrishoole, Mayo, Bernie moved to Menlough in 1962 after marrying Bríd McHale from Galway.

Over his 94 years, Bernie has attended all of the 16 All-Ireland senior football final played by Mayo, including replays, since the 1950s.

As a young man he witnessed Seán Flanagan lift Sam Maguire in 1950 and ’51 and he completed the hat-trick after witnessing Jack Coyne lift the trophy on Sunday, July 26, 2026.

Bernie told The Tuam Herald that he was waiting for this victory for a long time but the way first half of the match went he almost “didn’t expect” to see it happen.

“After all these years I was hoping that I survived to witness this,” said Bernie.

Being a lifelong Mayo supporter, Bernie has not only shared the victories but has also been there for the team during the defeats.

“He has been to all 11 finals where Mayo faced defeat. The loss in 2021 was so heavy we didn’t think he would survive to see a victory,” Bernie’s son Bernard McHale told The Tuam Herald.

“It’s not easy for him to go to these matches, but Croke Park authorities were very helpful.

“After the match we met a lot of family members and friends who came to congratulate my father."

Even after witnessing the final losses since 1989, Bernie “never once thought about” not going to Croke Park for the next one.

“He has always been a Mayo supporter there was never any divided loyalty for him,” said Bernard.

“I have also become a Mayo supporter over these years, but for Galway and Mayo matches I would be backing Galway.”

Along with being a supporter, Bernie has also been involved in local GAA clubs, initially as a player and later as a coach and manager. He played for Menlough in the 1960s and later trained the team to successes in the 1970s and 1980s.

Having exhausted all his energy on Sunday, Bernie is now resting up to begin more celebrations again.

Overjoyed at the long awaited victory, he is now looking forward to “a six in a row” of All-Ireland final wins for Mayo which will also get him to his 100th birthday celebration.

He is planning to go back to Mayo during the winter months to admire the Sam Maguire Cup when it will be brought around to all the clubs.