Launch of 'Mayo’s Quest for Sam' by Peter Costello
It's been a wonderful time for Mayo since the county's senior football squad finally brought the Sam Maguire Cup home for the first time in 75 years.
Since the final whistle sounded, bucket loads of ink have been spilled celebrating this historic achievement.
Newspapers throughout Mayo and across the country have been filled with stories of the team’s magnificent triumph.
There is also no shortage of books recounting the exploits of Mayo football over the years, so there will be plenty of choice when it comes to stocking fillers this Christmas.
The latest book to hit the shelves is Mayo’s Quest for Sam by Peter Costello.
This delightful collection revisits many of Mayo’s greatest championship battles, beginning with the 1985 All-Ireland semi-final replay.
It then takes readers through the stories surrounding Mayo’s 12 All-Ireland final appearances, with verses capturing the anticipation and drama both before and after each occasion.
There is much more to discover within its pages. Some stories pay tribute to individuals who played important roles in Mayo football over the years, while others look back on seasons when the county failed to reach the All-Ireland semi-final stages.
What makes this collection particularly special is that the stories were written at the time the events unfolded. Some date back 40 years, others 30 years, and so on.
As a result, they capture the feelings of the moment: the excitement of the build-up, the heartbreak of defeat and, ultimately, the sheer joy of victory.
The book concludes with a wonderful account of the celebrations that followed Mayo’s long-awaited triumph, as the team and the Sam Maguire Cup travelled throughout Mayo and beyond, allowing supporters far and wide to share in the historic occasion.
What makes Mayo’s Quest for Sam unique is that every story is told in rhyme.
Peter Costello has been writing verse for more than 50 years, and this is his third book—a fitting tribute to the passion, pride and perseverance that have defined Mayo football across the generations.
It can be ordered here.
The book will be launched at Julians of Midfield on Sunday, November 1, from 7.30 to 9 p.m. Michael Commins of Midwest Radio will perform the honours.
Finger food will be served, and everyone is warmly welcome to attend what promises to be an enjoyable evening celebrating Mayo football, its history and its long-awaited moment of glory.