Mayo are waking up as All-Ireland senior football champions for the first time in 75 years following a stirring second-half comeback to defeat Kerry 1-20 to 1-17 in yesterday’s final at Croke Park. A crucial goal from Darragh Beirne right after the restart shifted the momentum, helping Mayo weather a late surge from the Kingdom and bring Sam Maguire home to the west.

Here in Castlebar, the historic triumph carries an extra-special significance for Davitt College. Our school community is bursting with pride seeing Davitt alumni Diarmuid O’Connor take centre stage in the celebrations.

The excitement hits even closer to home with Colm Lynch – who just finished up at Davitt College last year and serves as the Mayo U20 captain – joining the senior squad in the thick of the historic celebrations. Adding to the wonderful family and school connection, Colm’s mother, our very own teacher Ms Siobhán Lynch, shared in the unforgettable magic alongside Colm and the cup.

From the corridors of Davitt College to the hallowed turf of Croke Park, this is a summer none of us will ever forget. Congratulations to Diarmuid, Colm, management, the entire panel, and the Lynch family. Up Mayo!

An historic day for Mayo and an incredibly proud moment for the Davitt College community.