Sport sometimes brings us unforgettable moments. And often when they are least expected. Kerry, the defending champions, arrived at Croke Park yesterday as strong favourites . A brave Mayo team believed otherwise. As the game ebbed and flowed, it seemed that Kerry’s experience might just rescue them, despite Mayo’s strong performance. But as the clock counted down to 70 minutes, it was Mayo who had possession, knocking over a final point amid delirious scenes.After so many losses and heartbreak, they had finally done it. For the first time since 1951, Mayo lifted the Sam Maguire cup. There had been an extraordinary 11 losses in All-Ireland finals in the meantime – feeding the legend of the “ curse”. Now they had won.Perhaps a lack of expectation as the season started helped Mayo. A new manager, Andy Moran, had just taken over during the summer. Having been hammered by Roscommon in the Connacht semi-final, expectations were low. Moran played the underdog card to the end. Mayo supporters , scarred by experience, travelled up to Dublin more in hope than expectation.But the Mayo team , led by captain Jack Coyne, came to Croke Park with belief and a willingness to work hard. Like Limerick’s hurlers last week, their opponents found themselves surrounded and harried when in possession. Kerry, fine champions on so many occasions, came up just short. Based on their strong performance after Kerry’s storming start, Mayo deserved the victory, playing with skill and courage – including some crucial two point scores.That it means so much to the people of Mayo says much about the central role of the GAA and the football championship in the national culture. This year’s match will be long-remembered as a fitting climax to a great season. And for the end of a 75-year wait. Mayo finally got over the line and they did so playing like champions. For the people of Mayo it is about the football, but also about so much more. Sometimes persistence pays off and belief is rewarded.