Pat Spillane surprised GAA fans after Saturday's All-Ireland final when paying tribute to runners-up Mayo.
The Westerners lost their 11th consecutive All-Ireland final as Tyrone ran out winners by 2-14 to 0-15 at Croke Park.
Speaking on RTE's post-match coverage, Spillane said: “If I was a Tyrone man you would be proud of those players as individuals, as role models, for the way they played the game and their skill as footballers.
“But can I just say that while today is about the victors, let’s spare a thought for Mayo. This is now 11 All-Ireland finals [they’ve lost in-a-row].
“They’ve played six All-Ireland finals in the last decade. The average losing margin is less than three points. They contributed to a really fascinating, tough, tight struggle today.
“I’m not too sure if Samuel Beckett was a GAA man or whether he ever kicked an O’Neill [ball]. But his words sum up Mayo. ‘Try again, fail again. Fail better. I can’t go on, I will go on.’ That’s Mayo.
“Today is another bad day but Mayo will bounce back. They’ll fight back and they’ll be there again next year close to the final day. Commiserations to Mayo. Warriors, a great day, but fell well short today of truly great All-Ireland champions.”
Spillane quoting Beckett was something that took a number of viewers by surprise.
One tweeted: "I didn't have Pat Spillane quoting Beckett after Tyrone beat Mayo in the All Ireland Final on my bingo card, I have to say."
Another said: "Pat Spillane knitting together Samuel Beckett quotes to console Mayo folk, a thing you didn't expect. 'Try again, fail again, fail better, I can't go on, I will go on'. The curse endures."
Someone else commented: "Pat Spillane mangling and merging quotes from cricket lover Samuel Beckett to comfort Mayo fans. 'Alas and well may Eireann weep!'"
One other post read: "Things are bad when Pat Spillane is quoting Samuel Beckett."
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