The old year is rapidly approaching its end a bit later tonight and, for understandable personal reasons, it’s a year I’ll be happy enough to bade farewell to in a few hours from now.
From a footballing point of view, 2022 was far from stellar as well. The Seniors’ solid National League campaign was undone by the walloping Kerry gave us in the final we patently didn’t want to be in and then, with the injury count continuing to rise alarmingly, defeat to Galway in Connacht pushed us back in the Kingdom’s direction again where, at the All-Ireland quarter-final stage, another sound beating awaited us.
The Minors gave us plenty to cheer about on their way to the All-Ireland final. Once there, however, they went under to a Galway side they’d already beaten twice in Connacht in what was a first ever all-Connacht All-Ireland decider. The U20s, meanwhile, suffered a smash-and-grab defeat to Sligo who claimed a first ever provincial title at this grade.
The hurlers suffered League relegation followed by a run all the way to the final of the Christy Ring Cup. Kildare – who should really be punching a bit higher – were always going to win that decider and they duly did. The women footballers made it to Croker but, like the men, Kerry proved too good for them at the All-Ireland semi-final stage.
The bad news for us didn’t end when the inter-county circus left town before the end of July, as Oisín Mullin decided to accept a rookie contract with AFL club Geelong. He’ll be badly missed in 2023. At the time of writing, Lee Keegan’s plans for another year in the Green and Red remain unconfirmed, which will be another worry for Kevin McStay and his management team.
Yes, we’ve had better years alright than the one that’s soon to pass into history. But a new year always brings with it new hopes and dreams so tonight we’re entitled to indulge those thoughts just a little.
So farewell, then, 2022 and here’s to the New Year whose arrival will be welcomed in this part of the globe in a bit over three hours for now. See you all on the other side.
Happy New Year to all on the Blog. Here’s hoping for 2023.
Have a feeling 2023 could be a great year for the county ?
Happy New Year to all, a new year means new hope, let’s see what comes in 2023.
Seems an awful long time ago that James stepped away. Kevin McStay and co with a very very long time to enjoy a honeymoon period.
Hopefully Lee gives it another crack, perhaps the shorter year might tempt to give it a go for another six months.
Thanks as always WJ for the blog and the updates, an invaluable source for all but particularly for those like me who are based overseas.
Happy New Year to all the contributors to this blog and to you Willie Joe-thanks for your sterling work. As at the start of every year, we live in hope.
Happy New Year to you Willie Joe and your family and to all the contributors to this most wonderful blog. The year ahead … hopefully… will give us much cause for celebration on the football front and may I take this opportunity to wish Tooreen all the best in the hurling final.
Happy New Year Willie Joe and all on this blog. Looking forward to the new chapter in Mayo football history. Best of luck to Kevin and his men!
Happy New year Willie Joe and to all the faithful bloggers out there. Go n-éirí an t-ádh le Mhaigheo. Best of luck to Kevin McStay and Stephen Rochford an all the backroom team and to all the Mayo panel of players. Can’t wait to see the start of the action tomorrow in Ballina.
First off, a big thank you to WJ for providing us with this invaluable forum for debating all things Mayo GAA. 2022 was tinged with sadness for WJ, so here’s wishing him and all contributors on this blog a very Happy 2023.
Can’t say any better than that Mo Maguire, well said. Thank you WJ.
Thanks for the Blog,WJ there are things more important then following Mayo but at 70 I haven’t found them yet.
Good man JR….
Just home from hospital with dodgy ticker…feckit.
Mayo this year.
Thank WJ for this blog and all you’ve done.
Thanks Mayo for being so special.
I love Mayo.
Abú