Mayo won the All-Ireland Senior Football final on Sunday, July 26, 2026, ending a 75-year wait since their last title in 1951 by defeating reigning champions Kerry 1-20 to 1-17 at Croke Park [1, 2, 3, 4]. This was Mayo’s fourth All-Ireland football title.
The victory ended a long drought marked by 11 final losses, including two replays since their last championship success in 1951 [2, 3]. The win also lifted a legendary "curse" said to have been placed on the team following that 1951 victory [1, 3].
Mayo captain Jack Coyne spoke with emotion after the game. "We kept the faith. We're All-Ireland champions. This is what every day of my life I've dreamed of doing. To be able to do this, I can't put it into words," he said [2]. Coyne added, "To every young boy and girl across Mayo and our diaspora across the world, never stop dreaming, stick your chest out and be proud to be from Mayo. The wait is over. Sam is home," referring to the Sam Maguire Cup [3].
Mayo is a county in the west of Ireland with a population of around 130,000 to 137,000 people, known for its passionate following of Gaelic football [1, 3]. The long-awaited victory has sparked massive celebrations, with an estimated 40,000 people expected to gather in Castlebar, Mayo’s county town, for the homecoming on Monday evening [3].
Prominent Irish boxer Katie Taylor also commented on the emotional impact of Mayo’s win, saying she felt the excitement and nerves as she prepares for her farewell match at Croke Park scheduled for September 5, 2026. "I actually had to turn the clip off as I was getting a bit nervous looking at the Mayo players celebrating and the emotions of everyone," Taylor said [4].
U.S. President Joe Biden, who has Irish ancestry from Mayo, publicly congratulated the team with the cheer, "Mayo for Sam!" [1, 3].
The team is set for their celebratory homecoming in Castlebar on the evening of July 27, 2026, where thousands are expected to greet the champions [3].
