Ardnaree Sarsfields: A club on the verge of success after years of heartbreak

Few GAA clubs in the country have endured as much heartbreak as Ardnaree Sarsfields in recent years. Since 2009, the Mayo side have lost four county finals in five years including 2012 when they led by five points before losing in extra time.

Current manager Declan O’Dea was in charge for three of the four finals and stepped away in 2012 before returning again in 2016, when Ardnaree won their first county title in 44 years.

2016 has been an eventful and emotional journey for the North Mayo club culminating in a trip to Croke Park where they took on the Kerry club Templenoe in the AIB All-Ireland Junior club final.

This is their story.