Sam Maguire’s trip to Mayo sparks spending spree across the county

The latest Bank of Ireland Spending Pulse analysing debit and credit card spending (26 – 27 July) reveals that Mayo’s 75 year wait for an All-Ireland title sparked a massive spending bonanza across County Mayo.

Mayo fans celebrated in style on July 26, a day that will go down in GAA history. Pubs across Castlebar (+1,042%), Westport (+350%) and the rest of Mayo (+118%) posted a significant spending hike on matchday (July 26) and for the homecoming celebration in Hastings Insurance MacHale Park (27 July) compared to All Ireland weekend last year.

Restaurants fed the hungry supporters with spending increases in Castlebar (+130%), Westport (+136%) and the rest of Mayo (+15%) across 26, 27 July comparative to last year. Takeaways also saw a spike in spending- Castlebar (+405%), Westport (+167%) and the rest of Mayo (+39%).

Supporters were keen to stay overnight in Castlebar to mark the homecoming celebrations, spending in hotels increased by +72%, in comparison to the same period last year.

Mayo native, Ciarán Coyle, Group Chief Operating Officer at Bank of Ireland said: “Mayo's historic All-Ireland victory sparked an outpouring of immense joy and celebration, as well as an economic boost both at home and in the capital, as supporters, including myself, travelled in huge numbers to witness a moment 75 years in the making.

"It was a momentous moment in time, driven by resilience, perseverance and skill.

“As a proud Mayo supporter, the homecoming celebrations in Castlebar was a special event.

"It highlights the positive impact major sporting moments can have on communities and local businesses.

"Our latest Spending Pulse data shows significant increases across hospitality, transport and fuel spending, reflecting the scale of the occasion and the celebrations that followed.

"This will no doubt continue for the foreseeable future as Sam Maguire, the team and management make their way around towns and villages throughout the county. Up Mayo!”