SEAN McAndrew and his son Finbarr, natives of Birmingham and members of the St Brendan's GFC in the English city, proudly wear Mayo jeresys ahead of Sunday's All-Ireland Senior Football final, where the Westerners take on reigning champions Dublin at Croke Park.
Sean's father was doctor John McAndrew, who played on the 1950 and 1951 Mayo All-Ireland winning teams. Their Mayo jerseys reflect his outstanding accomplishments.
“One of the greatest Gaels we’ve ever had in Britain” is how former Warwickshire County Board chairman Joe O’Rourke described Dr John McAndrew, who passed away on January 3 2013 at the age of 85.
``Dr McAndrew was a key member of the Mayo side that tasted All-Ireland Football Championship glory in 1950 and ’51 – the last team from the county to do so,'' reported the Irish Post at the time.
A native of Bangor Erris in west Mayo, McAndrew played his club football for Crossmolina, making a 40-mile round trip each time.
``After helping Crossmolina to win their first ever Mayo SFC title in 1949, McAndrew emulated his brother Pat by being called up to the county panel for the 1950 championship.''
