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26th Aug 2017

One of English football’s most likeable men has joined Mayo for Sam brigade

What a man

Niall McIntyre

The Mayo for Sam bandwagon is in full swing now.

The men from the west completed a historic and equally swashbuckling win over Kerry in Sunday’s All-Ireland semi-final, and their supporters now have an All-Ireland final to look forward to.

Stephen Rochford, a man who was on the receiving end of serious criticism after last week’s drawn game, was vindicated, and he really played a blinder on Sunday.

Everything went Mayo’s way, from Cillian O’Connor nailing placed balls, to Jason Doherty and Andy Moran sending the Kerry defence into sixes and sevens with their spellbinding off-the-ball movement.

Their back line was rock solid, lead by the much debated positioning of Aidan O’Shea there, while Keith Higgins and Colm Boyle were equally vigorous and ferocious alongside him.

Their midfield was energetic, and their support was as colourful and as overwhelming as ever.

Passion, pride and spirit abounded, and maybe their patience will pay off this year.

It appears there’s a new member of the Mayo for Sam bandwagon this year, and that’s Garth Crooks, a former England footballer, and a current BBC pundit.

Crooks is loved across the water for his passion, enthusiasm and light hearted approach, and he brought this infectious fervor to the table on Sunday, alongside former Ireland soccer international and one of Mayo’s most famous sons Kevin Kilbane.

The pair were analysing the English football action just moments beforehand, but they had one eye on the gaelic football at all times.

Great to see.

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Mayo GAA