Waiting for the next match on Sunday 24th August and dreaming about another Final, memories go back to Mayo's first All Ireland victory many years ago in 1936 and Mayo Abbey's connection with that team. Paddy Brett from Shinganagh lined out for his beloved Mayo on that September morning in Croke Park. Full back on the team was Paddy Quinn, a native of Crimlin, Castlebar. Paddy was a member of the teaching staff of Mayo Abbey National school at that time. Following their great victory the team returned to Mayo by motor car. The team Captain, Seamus O'Malley and his driver, the late John Smith, returned to their native Claremorris in the early hours of Monday morning bearing the Sam Maguire Cup.
They were greeted by hundreds of cattle and sheep, it was Fair Day in the south Mayo Market town!
Later that year Paddy Quinn brought the Sam Maguire to Mayo Abbey school to show it to his young pupils.
From an article by Joe Brett, Mayo Abbey
(Posted on Aug 12, 2014)