Appeal for public screening of Mayo’s biggest game since 2021

An appeal has been made to Mayo County Council to organise a live public screening on the Mall in Castlebar of the All-Ireland SFC final between Mayo and Kerry on Sunday, July 26.

Castlebar Independent Fianna Fáil Councillor Blackie Gavin raised the matter at yesterday's meeting of the authority, stating the semi-final victory by Andy Moran's charges over Louth at Croke Park last Saturday evening had lit a fire of excitement and anticipation across the county.

His proposal was seconded by Councillor Ger Deere.

Speaking to The Connaught Telegraph, Councillor Gavin stated: "An awful lot of supporters are going to be left disappointed because they simply won't be able to get their hands on a ticket for the match.

"So it would be fantastic to bring them all together for a community screening of the game in an environment like the Mall.

"Other county towns and cities have done it when their teams are in an All-Ireland final and I don't see why Castlebar can't do it.

"Fair dues to the organisers of the festival in Kiltimagh last weekend. They did it for the semi-final and it attracted a huge crowd. I'd like to see Castlebar doing the same on July 26.

"It would be a great community occasion and would surely give local businesses a boost on the day."

He has been supported in his call by Independent Councillor Michael Kilcoyne who lauded it as 'a great idea'.

"If you cannot get a ticket for Croke Park, then the next best thing is to watch it alongside a big crowd at the Mall.

"The atmosphere would be electric and it would also represent a resounding display of support for the Mayo players."

Castlebar Chamber of Commerce has also written to the council about the matter.