Rarely has a sporting event been more about the losers than the winners. But that's how the aftermath of today's All-Ireland final feels. RTE ended their coverage with a montage set to 'That's Why They Call It The Blues', which, neat pun aside, shows that the editorial line rests on another defeat for Mayo.
For this is another chapter in their unfathomable agony, this time inflicted by a last-minute Dean Rock free. The game ended with Dublin passing the ball about to wind the clock down, labelled "sadism at its worst" by Martin Carney on local radio.
Dublin deserve the huge credit they will be showered with over the next few weeks: a third All-Ireland in a row and a fourth in five years confirms their reputation as one of the finest teams of all time. Yet Mayo were magnificent, with heroes everywhere.
The Sunday Game Man of the Match will be a Dublin player, as it's handed out at the team hotel, and while they have plenty of potential winners (James McCarthy and Dean Rock chief among them) the game's best player was wearing the Green and Red of Mayo.
Brendan Harrison, Keith Higgins and Colm Boyle have received many plaudits this year in Mayo's defence but today, Chris Barrett was a monumental presence at centre-back. He swept efficiently in front of his full-back line, but it was the quality of his tackling and turnovers that stood out. When it looked like Mayo would finally do it, as they strode in front with ten minutes to go, Barrett executed two inspirational turnovers.
It was a cruel twist of fate that saw Barrett concede the free which proved to be the match-winner at the end.
Chris Barrett putting in one of the best defensive displays you will ever see
— Anthony McNamee (@a_mcnamee) September 17, 2017
Cruel on Chris Barrett. Had been brilliant. #GAA
— John Fogarty (@JohnFogartyIrl) September 17, 2017
Hard to recall a more heroic defensive performance in an All-Ireland final than Chris Barrett's today. Four critical turnovers.
— Colm Keys (@KeysColm) September 17, 2017
Give Chris Barrett the All-Star right now. Stop the game and give him the gong.
— Eoin Sheahan (@EoinSheahan) September 17, 2017
He won't get it but Chris Barrett was mom by country mile..brilliant all year #allirelandfinal
— Brian Lavin (@BJLavin) September 17, 2017
Chris Barrett is my Man of the Match and I hope RTE give it to the best player on the field even if his team lost!! #DubvMayo @TheSundayGame
— Hugh Lynn (@lthugh) September 17, 2017
Chris Barrett was sensational today, and that was an incredibly harsh decision!! #mayogaa
— Mark Mcmorrow (@mcmorrow_13) September 17, 2017
Chris Barrett is the turnover king 👑
— Niall O'Donnell (@NialloDonnell11) September 17, 2017
RTE are unlikely to break with tradition, but Barrett was the game's best player.
Not that it is of any consolation to him right now.
See Also: How Can Mayo Keep Going Through This? It's Just Too Much
