Hearing this alone from Colm O’Rourke after the All-Ireland Football Semi-Final between Mayo and Dublin, took some of the pain away from not having a ticket on the day. For the privileged Mayo fans among the 82,000 who saw the game – you will really have a treat when watch it again.

Back in July, I was less than confident facing Galway of our chances in the Connacht Final – but then again, I was not alone. With days like this, 10 years ago against Meath becomes grainier and more distant; I’m looking forward to An Spailpín Fánach’s analysis over the next 24 hours or so.

On All-Ireland Final day on 17th September, the Kingdom will still go in as clear favourites – I hope this remains the case; but the dream of captain David Heaney bringing Sam Maguire to a small parish called Killasser on the Mayo-Sligo Border – that’s special. that’s home.