Mayo fans are no stranger to heartbreak. They haven't won an All-Ireland since 1951, losing 11 finals in the process. Losing is always a tough pill to swallow but Mayo bounce back and compete every year. However tragic loss after tragic loss will become frustrating for everyone involved, from players and staff to even the fans.
The frustration has hit a boiling point for Mayo in recent months after losing yet another final in September. Mayo were poor against Tyrone and the backlash to the defeat was so strong that new Mayo Chairman Seamus Tuohy released a statement last week with Mayo manager James Horan saying all "Negativity or untruths that may have been generated in the past must stop" ahead of the 2022 season.
Former Mayo manager Stephen Rochford spoke about the frustration following the launch of the GOAL Mile in partnership with AIB.
The thing that is frustrating for supporters is that the performance against Tyrone was below what was expected of the group. It's not easy to get to an All-Ireland final and when you underperform there'll always be those questions.
I was involved when there was questions. There was questions when Tyrone beat Kerry, there were questions in Dublin when Mayo beat Dublin. So, in defeat there'll always be questions, there'll always be frustrations for the losing team.
AIB Goal Mile Launch With Stephen Rochford 10/12/2021, Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Bryan Keane
Rochford said it's time Mayo supporters moved on and focused on the 2022 season.
I know there's been a lot of comments made on social media about the team but I think it's time to move on. The FBD league is coming, supporters will be getting behind the team and they'll be moving on with a focus in 2022.
Mayo start their FBD Insurance league season on January 7th when they face Galway in the air dome at the Connacht GAA centre of excellence.
Pictured is Donegal coach and former Mayo manager, Stephen Rochford, following the launch of this year’s GOAL Mile, proudly partnered by AIB. In supporting GOAL and encouraging people across the island of Ireland to step up together and take part in the GOAL Mile this Christmas, AIB is helping reach vulnerable communities already suffering deeply from the impact of crises, poverty and climate change. Complete the GOAL Mile by registering at goalmile.org and taking just 2,000 steps in any place, at any time during the month of December.
See Also: Munster Starlet Patrick Campbell Also Had A Glittering GAA Career
