Mayo captain Jack Coyne lift the Sam Maguire Cup after victory over Kerrty in today's final. PHOTO: SPORTSFILE.

Magical Mayo lift Sam Maguire Cup to end 75-year famine

IMAGES FROM A DAY NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN IN THE HEATHER COUNTY

Mayo have ended 75 years of pain after lifting the Sam Maguire Cup for the first time since 1951 by defeating hot favourites Kerry by 1-20 to 1-17 in an absorbing All-Ireland SFC final at Croke Park.

Kobe McDonald of Mayo celebrates after his side's victory. Photo by David Fitzgerald / SPORTSFILE

They overcame a late Kerry onslaught to seal victory by a three-point margin.

Darragh Beirne of Mayo celebrates after scoring his side's second-half goal. Photo by David Fitzgerald / SPORTSFILE

The big turning point in Mayo's favour was Darragh Beirne’s goal early in the second half, Kerry's David Clifford having found the net in the first period.

Mayo players Ryan O'Donoghue, left, and Jack Coyne carry the Sam Maguire Cup down the tunnel. Photo: Seb Daly/Sportsfile Photo by Seb Daly / SPORTSFILE

The result sparked emotion scenes as players and fans shared in the memorable celebrations as Andy Moran's side ended a sequence of 11 defeats in finals since their last triumph in 1951.

Mayo suppoirters celebrate after the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship final. Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile Photo by David Fitzgerald / SPORTSFILE
Mayo players, including Jack Coyne, centre, celebrate after the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship final match win at Croke Park. Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile Photo by David Fitzgerald / SPORTSFILE

Many Mayo supporters thought this day would never come.

Now it finally had. . .and how.

Former Mayo player Lee Keegan, left, celebrates with Jordan Flynn of Mayo. Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile Photo by David Fitzgerald / SPORTSFILE
Tommy Conroy of Mayo with his partner Muireann Egan and the Sam Maguire Cup. Photo by Seb Daly / SPORTSFILE
Aidan O'Shea of Mayo with his daughter Romee after the victory. Photo by Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
Ryan O'Donoghue of Mayo celebrates with supporters. Photo by Dáire Brennan / SPORTSFILE
A proud Mayo manager Andy Moran. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE
Jordan Flynn and Kobe McDonald having a quiet chat after their side's triumph. Photo by Ben McShane / SPORTSFILE
Mayo goalkeeper Jack Livingstone celebrates his side's first goal by Darragh Beirne. Photo by Seb Daly / SPORTSFILE
Ryan O'Donoghue of Mayo celebrates a two-point score during the final. Photo by Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE

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