The men from the West finally saw off Tyrone in today’s semi-final at Croke Park.
But 300kms away Eibhlín Ni Chnáimhsí was cheering on Mayo – wearing their manager James Horan’s jersey.
And not just any old jersey….the one he wore at Croke Park last September when Donegal defeated Mayo to win the Sam Maguire.
Eibhlín’s mum Josephine is a friend of the Horan family, having gone to college in Galway with James and shared an apartment with his sister Elaine.
And when Eibhlín met James on St Patrick’s Day this year on Clare Island, where Elaine was celebrating her 4oth birthday, she was given the special jersey.
“James spoke fondly about Donegal and our fans after the All-Ireland final last year and how brilliant they had been to Mayo, him and the supporters after the game,” said Josephine.
“He gave Eibhlín his jersey from the game and said he hoped some of Donegal’s luck would rub off as a result. It seems to have worked so far,” she laughed.
A dúirt Eibhlín: “Beidh Dún na nGall ar ais an bhliain seo chugainn.”
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