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GAA COLUMN: Embrace the madness of Mayo county final day

10 3
16.10.2025

In many ways, it's a blessing that Ballina and Westport have just a week to prepare for the Mayo county final.

Not that it’s the right decision (an argument for another day).

The buildup to a county final can be the longest fortnight of your life. But also one of the best, for which you only truly realise in the benefit of hindsight and years under your belt.

Looking back at my own county finals with Balla, I spent those weeks a nervous wreck. The 2020 intermediate final, the 2018 and 2016 junior deciders. I was in my mid-20s and couldn't see past the anxiety.

I should have been enjoying every second.

Instead, I tried to keep my head down and my mind busy. You avoid certain people because you know where the conversation is heading. They'll tell you what you're doing wrong. They'll say if you just kicked the ball more or handpassed it less, you'd win the game.

They're grade A doses, who mean well, but you avoid at all costs. Exercise the classic smile, nod and ‘goodluck’ strategy.

Those conversations never end well.

RIGHT APPROACH

I always found the trick is spending time with your teammates. Go for coffee. Meet for breakfast. Take a dip in the sea. Being around the lads keeps you relaxed. It keeps your mind off the match without pretending the match doesn't exist.

I'm not sure if Westport went for a few pints on Saturday evening after beating Crossmolina. Lord knows they deserved them after 90 minutes of football. But recovery is the name of the game right now.

Every hour matters when you've only........

© The Mayo News