Invite issued to Mayo's All-Ireland champions to visit Leinster House

MAYO'S All-Ireland winning team have been invited to visit Leinster House.

Senator Mark Duffy has issued the invitation in light of their historic win and the huge lift that their victory has given not just to the people of Mayo but to the whole country.

“Eleven finals in a row, a lot of heartbreak, a lot of near misses, a lot of great memories along the way and a lot of loved ones that have passed. But for Mayo to finally be crowned All-Ireland champions is something that has given the whole county, the whole country and our diaspora around the world a brilliant lift,” said Senator Duffy.

“I want to acknowledge the Mayo players, the team, the staff, the volunteers across the clubs of the county who have given so much joy and happiness to young and old alike. They have handled themselves with incredible integrity, have been so generous with their time, been present at every school, at every hospice and hospital across the county. They have totally answered the call and it’s no wonder that they are All-Ireland champions given how they have handled themselves since that final whistle.”

Senator Duffy said he would welcome the opportunity to have both All-Ireland winning teams visit the Houses of the Oireachtas, with Kerry native and cathaoirleach of the Seanad, Mark Daly, graciously responding that he would be happy to welcome them to the chamber.

The senator went to congratulate the 11 Mayo players nominated for All-Stars, Player of the Year nominees, Ryan O’Donoghue and Jack Carney, and also the Young Player of the Year nominees, Kobe McDonald and Darragh Beirne.

He said: “It’s been a brilliant summer of celebration in Mayo. It will continue well into the winter at home and abroad but I would encourage them to come to Leinster House and to share their success with all Oireachtas members with Mayo connections.

“I was there in Ballaghaderreen when Andy Moran brought home the Sam Maguire, and I was thinking of the late John O’Mahony and all who have gone before us who would have loved to be there. The famine is over, the curse has been lifted and for every young Mayo boy and girl the spark has been lit, the dream is alive and Mayo are back!”