It's time to indulge in a spot of 'Up for the Match' analysis. Never mind recent form, the key to understanding the identity this year's winner is knowing who won in 1955. The men with the stacks of old programmes know the answer.
Paddy Power have yet to confirm whether they have paid out on the draw in the inevitable All-Ireland semi-final between Dublin and Mayo in 2045.
It is a course of action they are no doubt considering considering the sequence of events that is developing. Dublin and Mayo are presently on a thirty year loop.
Back in 1955, Mayo and Dublin drew 1-4 to 0-7. The Dubs, with Kevin Heffernan among the forwards, winning the replay, before going on to lose to Kerry in the All-Ireland final.
Back in 1985, Mayo and Dublin drew 1-13 to 1-13. The Dubs, with Kevin Heffernan as manager winning the replay, before going on to lose to Kerry in the All-Ireland final.
In 2015, Mayo and Dublin drew 1-15 to 2-12. Kevin Heffernan is sadly no longer around, but Kerry await in the final.
Dublin and Mayo drew in 1955. Dublin and Mayo drew in 1985. Dublin and Mayo draw in 2015. Somebody set an alarm to call the bookie in 2045
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) August 30, 2015
The only question now is whether there will be a draw in the 2045 semi-final. Dublin will obviously be tired from the celebrations that accompanied their 35th Leinster title in a row, while Mayo will still be dreaming of bridging that 94 year gap.
We can't tell them apart. Let's go for that draw.
