It was Groundhog Day for Mayo’s footballers – and even legendary actor Bill Murray got involved.
The Ghostbusters star donned the green and red as he watched the All-Ireland final in McCabes in Salthill, Galway on Saturday.
But even the support of the 70-year-old, who is in Ireland making a golf documentary, wasn’t enough to end the Yew County’s wait for a title.
The pub said: “Everyone was supporting the [green and red] today, even our friend Bill Murray!”
Mayo missed out on their first Sam Maguire in 70 years when they were beaten 2-14 to 0-15 by Tyrone.
And the infamous curse remains intact with their run of final defeats standing at 11.
Mayo have not won the senior football title since 1951, with some blaming a curse which is said to have been placed on the team for not showing respect towards a funeral in Foxford on their homecoming journey following that victory.
The story goes that the side would not win again until all the members of that team had died.
And with a missed penalty and a number of other squandered goal chances, fans could be forgiven for thinking they really are jinxed.
Meanwhile, there was elation among the Tyrone fans as their side lifted the Sam Maguire cup for the first time since 2008.
The North’s Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill was among those who took to Twitter to express their delight.
She said: “Absolutely over the moon. Sam is coming back to Tyrone after 13 years... what a performance.
“You have brought so much joy to our county after a difficult year. Particularly delighted for my neighbour Padraic Hampsey, a fantastic captain.”
In an official statement, First Minister Paul Givan added his congratulations.
He said: “The passion and determination of the team on the pitch has been mirrored by their supporters right across Northern Ireland and beyond.
“Well done to the players and all those associated in their success. They deserve their celebrations.
“This is a significant achievement after what has been a very difficult period for elite sports.
“It is great to see our local sports-people excel and the Tyrone team has certainly done that.”
Ms O’Neill added: “In a time of uncertainty they gave the people of Tyrone hope, positivity and a cause
for optimism.
“I am immensely proud of all the players, management and those who have played a part in this incredible result.
“This campaign has not been without its challenges but was fought with real determination and brought the county together in support of the team.
“Commiserations to Mayo, it was the Red Hands’ year and I hope the start of many more to come. Tyrone abu.”
Emerging from the stadium in Dublin, Gary O’Donnell, from Galbally, Co Tyrone, said he was feeling “absolutely brilliant”, despite his wife hailing from the rival county. He revealed: “My wife is from Mayo and she’s not answering her phone so I have to go and look for her – at least one of us will be happy going up the road.”
Danny Conwell, from Dunamanagh, said the win “feels unreal”, while Joe McNulty and Deborah Kelly hailed it as “amazing”.
Joe added: “The team is amazing. We thought at the start of the year, ‘We’ll see how we go’, but from then on, every step on the way worked. Sam is coming home to Tyrone.”
For Mayo the agony and the wait for Sam to go west continues.
