Dublin deserve enormous praise for their achievement in lifting the Sam Maguire Cup for a third year in a row but, as the celebrations remained in full flow across the capitol yesterday, there was also huge sympathy for the long-suffering people of Mayo almost everywhere else in Ireland.
Although many observers regard Dublin as arguably the best side in Gaelic football history, there can be little doubt that Mayo are the most unfortunate team in the history of All Ireland competitions.
They have come agonisingly close to winning the title over the last six seasons, losing four finals and two semi finals by the narrowest of margins, but they have still produced some outstanding displays and conducted themselves with great dignity in both victory and defeat.
GAA fans across the country will salute the latest Dublin success while hoping that, either next year or in the near future, a gallant and gifted Mayo squad will also capture the ultimate prize.
