Global Icons Celebrate Mayo’s Long‑Awaited All‑Ireland Triumph

Sun Sep 06 2026 09:41:40 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Mayo broke a 75‑year curse to win the All‑Ireland football title, prompting cheers from Joe Biden, Mark Carney, Oasis, and more. Find out how the world joined in the historic celebration.

On Sunday, Mayo ended a 75‑year wait by defeating Kerry in a dramatic final at Croke Park, capturing the Sam Maguire Cup. The victory echoed beyond Ireland, with U.S. President Joe Biden chanting “Mayo for Sam”, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressing pride in Mayo’s heritage, and Oasis brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher sending congratulations from the UK. The event revived legends about an old curse, drew global media attention, and sparked new eras in Gaelic football with stars like Kobe McDonald and Jordan Flynn lifting the trophy in front of 82,300 spectators.

Mayo Breaks a 75‑Year Curse with a Historic All‑Ireland Victory

Last Sunday, Mayo propelled its football team to a stunning victory over Kerry, ending a 75‑year drought. With a final score of 1-14 to 1-13 at Croke Park, the Sam Maguire Cup was captured by a roar of jubilant fans.

The Curse That Had Stalled Mayo

The team’s lack of triumphs was tied to a folklore curse, legend that a celebratory lorry in 1951 interrupted a funeral, resulting in a priest’s grim pronouncement that Mayo would never win an All‑Ireland title again while any of its players were alive. Over seven decades of near‑misses turned the competition into a cultural quest for the county’s centenarians.

Biden’s “Mayo for Sam” Moment

“Mayo for Sam!” rumbled across the crowd as U.S. President Joe Biden, born with Irish ancestry, pointed his microphone to the stadium. In Ballina he had long celebrated County Mayo’s heritage, a gesture that resonated with the thousands of Irish‑Americans watching. He posted his excitement on X, congratulating the side, praising their perseverance and urging team & supporters to enjoy the moment.

Canadian Leadership and Cultural Icons Cheers

Prime Minister Mark Carney tweeted a proud declaration of his Mayo roots, while British bandfrontman Noel Gallagher posted, “Finally!! Up Mayo!!,” to the same X-form. Liam Gallagher echoed with his own pride. Irish rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll and golfer Shane Lowry also posted celebratory jabs. Former England footballer Kevin Kilbane, who celebrated his late‑fought County ties, added a heartfelt note, noting how the win reverberated for a generation that had never seen an All‑Ireland win.

The Future of Mayo Football

Two teenage brothers—Kobe McDonald and Jordan Flynn—re‑envisioned the historic trophy. The 18‑year‑old McDonald, the first senior debutant for Mayo in February, jubilated, “We’re here for our people.” That sentiment hangs in the twilight as the county ramps up for future championships.

Global Reaction & Cultural Significance

Spectators worldwide watched the clash live, echoing similar long‑awaited triumphs like Arsenal’s 2026 Premier League title and the New York Knicks’ 53‑year NBA win. For Mayo, the wait was seemingly eternal, but the joy is just beginning.

The victory has revived debate over whether the old curse holds. Many fans deem it lifted, celebrating their fresh start. Yet, the saga will live on in stories of “Mayo for Sam”, a phrase now echoing beyond the Irish so‑called “County of Dev.