The greatest story in GAA just got spookier right?
The Mayo GAA CURSE is unquestionably one of sport's most compelling subplots.
Even the BBC had a go at explaining it to their audience this week.
It's funny (*hastily adds "for neutrals"*), it's weird, it's simultaneously illogical and almost plausible given the rotten, rotten luck they've endured.
In brief - it's very Mayo.
Before today's game according to at least one respected GAA pundit (Martin Carney) there has never been an own goal in an All-Ireland final.
[caption id="attachment_560694" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Dublin’s Bernard Brogan looks on as his shot deflects off Mayo Kevin McLoughlin for Dublin first goal Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie[/caption]
Now, it's worth pointing out that there's every chance that somewhere along the way, back in the olden days that even Martin has forgotten about, there's
probably been an OG scored in an All-Ireland football final. Law of averages etc.
But I'm happy to go out on a limb here and categorically say that there has NEVER been two OGs scored by a team in a final.
Mayo, who have lost 7 (ffs SEVEN) consecutive All-Ireland Finals since the curse... sorry THE CURSE... reared it's ugly head in 1951, managed to score two within the first 22 minutes of today's game.
https://twitter.com/Herdotie/status/777521438203011072
We know that
Mayo and Dublin drew today and they'll do it all again in two weeks, but let's be honest, the burning question now is - where does all of that leave THE CURSE?
Some souls say THE CURSE... lives on *dun, dun, dun*
https://twitter.com/olivercallan/status/777521252437225472
https://twitter.com/ConorMcNamaraIE/status/777523779731853312
It definitely exists anyway that's for sure...
https://twitter.com/JOEdotie/status/777542882588762112
https://twitter.com/EoinSheahan/status/777520932604837890
https://twitter.com/conorjdonnelly/status/777521206262194178
Because how else can you explain the OGs right?
https://twitter.com/EmmettEganSC/status/777521132920602624
https://twitter.com/darrendolan90/status/777527318961131520
I mean nothing else makes sense, so it's got to be... *dun, dun, dun*... THE CURSE
https://twitter.com/Iamhobbi/status/777521778432348160
Yikes, what if it gets worse from here?
https://twitter.com/TVsCarlKinsella/status/777541318973218816
But there is hope, THE CURSE can be beaten (presumably by getting Michelle Mulherin tickets for the replay)
https://twitter.com/FredSharkey/status/777543541862072320
And if all else fails, just stick your fingers in your and sing "lalalalalalalala, THE CURSE is for babies, lalalalalalalala"
https://twitter.com/johncreedon/status/777549894852763649
If you are in any way interested in GAA or Mayo football or just hairy aul yarns, you probably know the story of THE CURSE. But, its worth a retell.
THE CURSE
The legend goes that the last Mayo team to win an All-Ireland football final in 1951 were returning home from their triumph and passing through the town of Foxford. The team, who were probably concentrating on enjoying the occasion (sure you'd never know when you'd win one again?), failed to respect a funeral ceremony.
The local parish priest decided to put a curse on the Mayo football team to never win a future All-Ireland final. Some versions of the story say it can will be broken when every member of that team has passed away.
Yep, it sucks.
