75 years of 'Mayo curse' broken: All-Ireland football glory finally arrives

The full-time whistle at Croke Park on Sunday signalled the end of 75 years of hurt for Mayo. The county won its fourth All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, but the first since 1951. Players fell to their knees, knowing they had not only beaten favourites Kerry but also ended the so-called 'Mayo curse'. The curse legend dates to 1951, when after winning the title, the team reportedly failed to show respect at a funeral—a priest allegedly cursed them never to win again while any player from that team lived. Mayo had lost 11 finals since. In the match, Kerry took an early lead but Mayo fought back, with Darragh Beirne scoring the go-ahead goal in the second half. Mayo held on for a three-point win. Captain Jack Coyne delivered an emotional speech. Young star Kobe McDonald, bound for the AFL, had 'one chance' written on his wrist. Former player Padraig O'Hora said he could not put the feeling into words. The team will celebrate with fans in Castlebar.