The London footballers made history on Sunday when they defeated Mayo for the first time. It was a one-point victory for London in the FBD League quarter-final at the Air Dome in Bekan.
London-born Shay Rafter - whose father hails from Glenamoy in Mayo - was the star player for the victors, scoring six points on his senior inter-county debut. His final score of the game was the decisive one. There were 30 seconds of normal time remaining when the Tara clubman claimed a mark and kicked the winning point, taking the score to 0-12 to 1-8.
"It was a massive team effort from the boys, you know," Rafter, who played for London in last year's All-Ireland Junior Championship, told Mayo GAA.
"We've been working since November for it. It's what we deserve. We've come close quite a few times but finally, we got over the hill. It's just a massive performance from the team. I couldn't be happier."
Mayo GAA spoke to London full forward Shay Rafter after today's Connacht GAA FBD League game against Mayo. Shay father hails from the North Mayo Club Cill Chomain.
Shay played a crucial part in London's win scoring 6 points. pic.twitter.com/i2tvmua774— Mayo GAA (@MayoGAA) January 7, 2024
Mayo had led by a point at half-time and edged back in front during the second half following a goal by Cillian O'Connor but they could not peel off their sticky opposition. London manager Michael Maher said his side felt "over the moon" about the win.
"We've had a big reset in terms of the panel," Maher told RTÉ Radio One.
"We had a tough year last year. We didn't win a game last year. It's tough and you question why sometimes. Then you go back to the grind, November, December doing the sessions in the wind and the rain.
"When you get a positive performance and a result like that, you realise why you're doing it. You play for that 15 seconds after the game.
"We're delighted but it's only a start and ultimately, we want wins in Division 4 and further down the line.
"That was a tough game for us today. When the draw was made, it sets the bar high. We're really pleased with the day's work."
7 January 2024; Fiontan Eastwood of London celebrates after his side's victory in the Connacht FBD League quarter-final match between Mayo and London at the University of Galway Connacht GAA AirDome in Bekan, Mayo. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
Mayo manager Kevin McStay said London deserved "a huge amount of credit".
"We thought we had them knocked away," said McStay.
"They never let the gap get unmanageable. Physically, they were really well conditioned because we have a lot of work done. They met us head on physically and then they played a lot of very good football. The reaction after Cillian's goal showed you they were well up for it and they squeezed home in the end.
"I was just talking to [the London] manager and complimenting them on how well prepared they were, how well coached they were."
It was a callow Mayo side fielded by McStay, one featuring the likes of O'Connor, Jordan Flynn and Rob Hennelly but also seven players making their inter-county debuts.
McStay had no issues with the attitude of the Mayo players but felt their "skill execution wasn't where we'd expect it to be".
7 January 2024; London manager Michael Maher during the Connacht FBD League quarter-final match between Mayo and London at University of Galway Connacht GAA AirDome in Bekan, Mayo. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
"They've learned that it's a tough game, that it's not easy to get scores at this level," McStay said about those making their debuts.
"The defensive structures that you're up against are pretty tough. Also, the opportunities don't go on forever. This was a big chance for them.
"We'll have to go back during the week and see who really measured up and who didn't. That's how ruthless this blood game is, unfortunately.
"We're going to have to make some decisions in the next couple of weeks as we get ready for the National League panel. Today will be a big part of it."
London will face Roscommon in the FBD League semi-final on Saturday while Leitrim play Galway in the other last-four game on Friday.
