One couldn't escape the nagging idea that as a 35-year-old Ryan Giggs picked up the PFA Players' Player of the Year Award in 2009, there wasn't at least some part of this accolade that nodded toward his greater body of work.
Surprisingly, no such concerns were forthcoming as Andy Moran was named Footballer of the Year for 2017. In an unusually drawn-out season that ultimately resulted in Mayo ending up where they so often do, Moran was magnificent. Looking regenerated after making changes to his working environment, Moran may be 35-years-old in November, but he doesn't seem like he is finished yet.
Speaking to Mid West Radio, Moran refutes the notion that this Mayo team are 'running out of steam.' Believing that some careful reflection on the year and minor adjustments can get Mayo going again, Moran is adamant that not 'too much change needs to be done.'
As for his role in all of this, Moran was quick to concede that the latest addition to his family does change things somewhat. However, devestated to miss out on the inaugural Super 8 series this year, Moran is contemplating one more year - at least:
My body has probably never felt as good, if I'm being honest. But, since I got injured in 2012 I've kind of learned actually what my body can do and can't do - so the body is fine.
It's this whole second kid syndrome that will dictate what I'm going to do.
His natural priority being his young family, Moran's outlook suggests that even if he does return in 2019, it will not be with any great excitement about the prospect of finally winning an All-Ireland; "I just think when we eventually do it as a county, I think we're going to go, 'Is that all it is like?'"
Highlighting the importance of the 'journey' that football allows, Moran believes that the special situation Mayo find themselves in, with an acute relationship between fans and players, leaves other counties feeling 'jealous':
There is no doubt about it. Mayo people are just something different, and it's great to see.
