Looking at Mayo’s celebrations in Croke Park after their All-Ireland final win over Kerry, there was no shortage of emotion on display.

No county had suffered as much in the 75 years since they last got their hands on the Sam Maguire, with all those disappointments seemingly evaporated as the hooter sounded on Jones’ Road.

Of all the many moments that took place during this period, few of them stood out as much as Ryan O’Donoghue’s trophy lift. Having played a starring role in the game itself, the Belmullet man stole the show with the emotional manner with which he hoisted the cup.

Speaking to Balls after being named PwC Footballer of the Month for July, O’Donoghue explained how that moment was the culmination of his life’s work up to that point.

In my sporting career I’ve boxed, I’ve played soccer, but ever since I was young the one thing I wanted to do was go up the Hogan stand and lift Sam Maguire for Mayo.

I actually can’t remember going up the steps. When I got there, I didn’t mean to do that. That was just pure emotion, pride, relief, a lot of emotions all in one. It just happened.

It was so special. All the sacrifices, all the heartbreaks, everything that has gone on since I started playing sport, that moment will be hard to top.

6 August 2026; PwC GAA/GPA Player of the Month for July in football, Ryan O’Donoghue of Mayo, with his award at Eyre Square in Galway. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile 
Mayo celebrations were a dream for Ryan O’Donoghue

The emotional scenes did not stop in Croke Park, with plenty more to come after the Mayo team made their way back to the county on Monday evening. 60,000 supporters packed into MacHale Park to get a glimpse of their heroes.

A tour of the county would follow over the coming days, taking in stops in the likes of Ballyhaunis, Ballaghaderreen, and many more along the way.

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They were scenes Ryan O’Donoghue could never have envisaged, with a return to his hometown of Belmullet among his personal highlights.

I don’t think you could ever imagine that. There was 60,000 in MacHale Park, then to Ballyhaunis and the scenes there, Belmullet on Wednesday was everything I’ve ever dreamed of and more.

Then Thursday it was Ballaghaderreen and a lot of clubs in between, then the open to bus on Friday. The amount of people that were outside their houses just to see us for five seconds, they could have been sitting there two hours. The scenes were unbelievable, so many special moments.

There weren’t many moments that stand out because all of them were so special.

Ryan O’Donoghue ran into Kerry & Dublin legends

There was plenty of partying done throughout the week, something Andy Moran jokingly said could lead to some injuries ahead of the return of the Mayo club championships this weekend. O’Donoghue is hopeful that his transition to club football will be seamless and is aiming for a big year with Belmullet.

He did find some time in recent days for a round of gold in Carne, where he came across a pair of fellow All-Ireland winners.

Kerry legend Ógie Moran and Dublin GAA and Ireland football great Kevin Moran also happened to be at the course. The former won eight All-Irelands during his playing career, while the latter claimed two before concentrating full-time on soccer.

O’Donoghue enjoyed his chat with the pair, admitting he couldn’t resist a cheeky line about their combined achievements at the time.

We had a quick chat, I didn’t want to keep them too long. I just said that we had 11 All-Irelands between us!

It was cool to meet them, they were playing in Carne the same day I was. It was nice to chat with them.

I actually had a quick pint with Ógie the night before, I met him when I was out for a bite to eat with my mates. He was telling us a few stories.

He was saying how special it was and so was Kevin. It was nice to meet them.

It’s not a bad club to be part of.

It’s one that Ryan O’Donoghue and his Mayo teammates will be now be in for good.