17 September 1997
By Tom Kelly
The Mayo senior football team have turned down an offer by a manufacturing company in the county to sponsor their formal attire for the weekend of the All-Ireland senior final against Kerry.
The Kiltimagh -based Farah plant was prepared to supply each member of the squad with a blazer, trousers, shirt and tie free of charge. But the generous proposition was rejected because the players had a preference for suits.
Now the players and officials are being outfitted by Castlebar menswear outlet, Leo Doherty's, with navy suits manufactured by McGee's of Donegal.
Mr. John Flannery, managing director of Farah, confirmed the offer had been made by him to the Mayo team. He said: "We supplied the players with trousers on the occasion of the semi-final against Offaly, and we offered to provide a complete range of clothing to be worn during the All-Ireland final weekend.
"We were a little disappointed when the offer was turned down, but there is no ill feeling whatsoever on our behalf. We wish the team every success, and we accept the players were very much entitled to their preference in wear."
The suits will be worn by the Mayo players to and from the game on Sunday, September 28th.
The squad departs for Dublin 24 hours earlier and will stay overnight at a secret location in the capital. They will be dressed in style for the official functions after the game, including the post-match reception in the Burlington Hotel.
Mayo County Council is planning a special welcome for the team when they return to Castlebar on the Monday evening whether they win or lose.
