Caoimhín Rowland
Head of the Irish Central Bank, Gabriel Makhlouf tips Mayo for this year’s All Ireland, which could spell serious economic growth for the county.
The countries chief economist admits to being a Dublin GAA supporter, despite the best efforts of his Deputy, Derville Rowland, a Castlebar native, to convince him to fully support Mayo.
However, he believes that “this is the year” for Sam to return back to the county for the first time since 1951.
“One of my deputies, Derville, she’ll tell anyone that I support Mayo, I suppose deep down I can’t not support Mayo, otherwise I’ll get it in the neck. But I support Dublin”
If indeed the All Ireland title is claimed by Mayo on July 30, Mr Makhlouf stated:
“I’d expect there to be, in the stats, an upward blip in the consumption of particular things” in the county.
Question marks remain over whether the potential continued growth in Mayo can be sustained beyond the initial spike in spending was beyond the remit of the nation’s top economist.
“Whether winning Sam Maguire means that consumption increases permanently in Mayo that’s a bit of economic analysis and forecasting I cannot do.”
The Mayo for Sam bandwagon has seen many famous and important faces climb onboard in recent times as Joe Biden proclaimed to the faithful masses in Ballina on April 14 the glorious phrase. Pope Francis, during his visit to Knock also held up a jersey for a photograph in a bid to alleviate the curse to no avail in 2018.
McStay’s men will take to the field in Castlebar on Sunday, June 4 to play Louth, throw-in is at 2 p.m.