There was tears in Croke Park as a three-point win over Kerry ended a 75-year wait for Sam Maguire to cross the Mayo border.
Kerry kicked the first three scores of the game with Dylan Casey, David Clifford both finding the target.
David McBrien got Mayo’s first score of the day with a point after seven minutes.
Kerry continued their dominance in the opening period when David Clifford was in for a goal after 14 minutes. Sean O’Shea followed-up that goal with a point as Kerry moved into an eight-point lead, 1-05 to 0-1.
Jack Carney landed a two pointer for Mayo at the fifth time of asking for Mayo with 17 minutes played.
Ryan O’Donoghue raised the second two-pointer of the game for Mayo; before a Darragh Beirne point levelled proceedings after 26 minutes.
Points from Ryan O’Donoghue and Sam Callinan gave Mayo the lead approaching the half-hour mark.
The sides traded scores with Darragh Beirne and Tommy Conroy landing scores for Mayo as Tom O’Sullivan and Joe O’Connor kicked scores for Kerry as the Kingdom took a one-point lead to the break.
Kerry led at the break, 1-8 to 0-10.
Mayo started the second-half the stronger, points from Darragh Beirne and Kobe McDonald. The elusive corner forward Beirne found the back of the Kerry net as moved into a four-point lead after 38 minutes, 1-12 to 1-8.
Keith Evans got Kerry’s opening score of the half with a point on 42 minutes. However, Mayo replied with again with Jack Carney landing his second two pointer of the afternoon.
Mayo hold off the Kerry fightback
Kerry hit the next three scores with the Cliffords on target as Paidi registered two points, before David raised a white flag for the Kingdom.
Points from Kobe McDonald followed by an excellent two-pointer form Ryan O’Donoghue left Mayo ahead by five points with 62 minutes played; 1-19 to 1-14.
Kerry made Mayo sweat with a two-pointer from the boot of David Clifford; followed by a well taken Paidi Clifford effort left two between the sides with 68 minutes played.
Mayo’s resilient defence stood tall again though as they broke down field with the last attack following Seanie O’Shea dropped shot that transpired into the insurance point for Mayo, bringing 75 years of hurt to an end for Mayo.
Mayo crowned All-Ireland champions with a three-point win over Kerry, 1-20 to 1-17.
