John Joe Lyons, a drystock farmer who works part-time in the local park has been doing such nifty mowing since 2006.

“We started mowing ‘Up Mayo’ in the park in 2006 when Mayo got to the All-Ireland and we have done it every year they have got there since,” Lyons said.

“It was started by my friend Sean Biesty. We did it together. Sean passed away two years ago so I continued to do it,” he explained.

The Mayo men face the Dubs in the All-Ireland football final on Sunday week, while the Mayo ladies also face Dublin in their final a week later.

Lyons mowed the ground on Monday and intends on maintaining it once a week until the ladies' All-Ireland final on September 24.

The grounds, made up of 14 acres, once belonged to Abyssinian Friars but now belong to the local community.

The red and green

“Last year I put some red dye on it to make it red and green. I will wait for the weather to pick up next week and get red dye on it like last year,” Lyons said.

With positive reaction received for his artwork, he is also positive that this will finally be the year Mayo break the duck and take home Sam.

“Hopefully they will do it. I feel this is their year. We have been waiting long enough and the team have been fair good to the fans,” he said.

“If Mayo win the All-Ireland, we will leave ‘Up Mayo’ there for the year,” he laughed.

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