‘Unforgettable Mayo All-Ireland victory even more special’ for Longford family

Mayo All-Ireland winning manager Andy Moran revealed that with 69 minutes gone on the clock at Croke Park he said a little prayer to his mentor, the late Johnno (John O’Mahony) and his late friend, Aiden Drake from Abbeylara, Co Longford | Longford Live

placeholder image — Mayo All-Ireland winning manager Andy Moran revealed that with 69 minutes gone on the clock at Croke Park he said a little prayer to his mentor, the late Johnno (John O’Mahony) and his late friend, Aiden Drake from Abbeylara, Co Longford | Longford Live

‘A proud moment for Mayo, but an even prouder moment for everyone in Abbeylara and especially the Drake family.’

Just moments after he led Mayo to the promised land of a first All-Ireland senior football title since 1951, proud manager Andy Moran revealed he said a little prayer to the late John O'Mahony and Aiden Drake in the nail biting closing seconds of the historic 1-20 to 1-17 victory over Kerry at Croke Park.

Andy and Johnno (John O'Mahony) are both Ballaghaderreen men and O'Mahony's 2001 Galway team were honoured as the jubilee team at GAA HQ before Mayo’s memorable win over the Kingdom.

While Andy is a family friend of the late Aiden Drake from Carrickduff, Granard died suddenly last July.

And Abbeylara GAA Club were particularly delighted that he remembered Aiden.

The club posted on social media, “A proud moment for Mayo, but an even prouder moment for everyone in Abbeylara and especially the Drake family.

“Hearing Andy Moran mention Aiden Drake during his interview made an unforgettable All-Ireland victory even more special.

“It's a wonderful recognition and a moment that will be cherished for years to come. Congratulations to Andy, and the Mayo team.”

Speaking to RTE’s Damian Lawlor, Andy explained, “When you talk about the psychology of games, I'd be lying if I said at 69 minutes there I didn't say a little prayer to Johnno (John O’Mahony). Johnno's team was here earlier, it's 25 years. My mentor, my friend. He tried twice with us.

"And when 69 minutes came up, I looked up. We have a little friend called Aiden Drake who passed away last year and Johnno and I have to say I said a little one (prayer). I said Johnno if I need you it's now and he came up with the goods."

There was incredible emotion at GAA headquarters as Jack Coyne from Ballyhaunis became the first Mayo captain in 75 years to get his hands on the Sam Maguire Cup, with Ballaghaderreen’s Seán Flanagan being the last captain to enjoy distinction in 1951.