Taoiseach Enda Kenny has issued a rallying cry to Mayo supporters ahead of Sunday’s All-Ireland Football Championship final between the Connacht outfit and Dublin at Croke Park.
Mayo, starved of All-Ireland success for well over half a century, are underdogs against the all-conquering Dubs.
In a video posted on the Mayo News website, the Taoiseach said it is time to “live", "grow up" and "do it” for his county.
His father Henry won an All-Ireland medal in 1936.
The full address is below:
“The journey of Mayo football over the last 65 years has been one of dedication, thrilling football and high drama.
“Since 1951 our county warriors have given us their all - blood, sweat and a lot of tears. It’s September again and Mayo are back in the greatest stadium on earth, and as they run out on to that sacred soil this weekend, the support from the west and around the world will be deafening.
“This team, like all those before them, have one ambition in mind to bring the ultimate prize west of the Shannon and end the long hunger that burns inside every man, woman and child inside our county at home and abroad.
“You the supporters have always stuck by the green and red, and regardless of the outcome, will stick by them again this year. But we can dare to dream - to beat the Dublin team; an outstanding football team of their generation.
“Cillian O’Connor and his squad have every chance of making those dreams come true. They have sacrificed so much of their lives in the last few months. All we can do is give them all our support and wish them the very best of good luck on Sunday.
“Time to live, time to grow up, time to do it. Good luck to you all.”
Watch the video here
