Stephen O’Grady

This episode of Streets of Your Town straddles two continents on opposite sides of the world - Ireland and Australia.
Where the wild Atlantic ocean whips the rocky cliffs of Ireland’s west coast, the people of the small county of Mayo are contemplating whether they can overcome a hoo doo of 70 years.
Is it a Coincidence or a curse? I delve into the mystery of how this county has not won an All Ireland Gaelic Football Final since 1951, despite making it to the finals of arguably Ireland’s most important sporting contest, ten times. 
Some blame an infamous curse apparently placed on the entire football team by an angry priest. 
But as our guest Stephen O’Grady so eloquently explains, Gaelic football is more than just a sport. It’s about identify, about Irish emigrants and the longing for what was left behind, and about where we call home. Is it our memories, or where we live presently?
Stephen O’Grady grew up in Mayo, with the imprint of his county’s woes in Gaelic football finals a constant companion while growing up. 
He says Gaelic football is more than just a sport, it’s a crucial part of life in Ireland. He tells us how he hopes this is the year that Mayo overcomes the weight of expectation from the entire county, and wins the All Ireland final against Tyrone on September 11."

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