The Mayo footballers have put their own spin on 'cruel and unusual punishment' over the years, to the point where they might feel under pressure from the Geneva Convention.

OTB AM takes a brief look back through the, unfortunately many, instances of Mayo trying and failing to break the curse.

2017: Lee Keegan's GPS

Mayo's Keegan is on record as to regretting throwing his GPS into the path of Dean Rock's ultimately-decisive kick.

"It’s probably an unfortunate thing that it happened," Keegan said.

"You know, I always say, ‘If you were in my shoes, what would people have done?’ Would they have come up with something else?

"It’s very unsportsmanlike and I totally accept that. But, I suppose, you’re looking into losing your fourth All-Ireland - and, to be fair to Dean Rock, he never batted an eyelid."

They don't tend to bat an eyelid, those wily Dubs.

2016 - So, so close

18 September 2016; A Mayo supporter reacts to Dublin's second first-half goal during the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final match between Dublin and Mayo at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Cody Glenn/Sportsfile

One point, over two games, was all that separated Mayo in 2016.

It was agonisingly close, and particularly galling given the level of performance from every one of the Mayo senior panel that year.

Own goals from Kevin McLoughlin and Colm Boyle in the first match ensured a replay that Dublin nicked by a point.

Cillian O'Connor's late missed free ensured that the Dubs  retained the Sam Maguire for the first time since 1977.

2015: Dubs in the semis

In the first of a tale that would become familiar, the Dubs beat Mayo by four points in the semi-final, before taking on Kerry.

Fate did not exactly smile on Mayo when Diarmuid Connolly's red card from the first match was overturned so he could play in the replay.

"The panel's decision related to lack of fair procedure afforded to Mr Connolly at an early stage in the GAA's internal disciplinary process, which unfairly hindered the preparations for, and presentation of, his defence."

Hmmm.

Anyway, another one in the Dubs' column...

2014: losing to Kerry in the semis

30 August 2014; Kerry's Kieran Donaghy embraces teammate David Moran following their side's victory. GAA Football All Ireland Senior Championship, Semi-Final Replay, Kerry v Mayo. Gaelic Grounds, Limerick. Picture credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE

Christ, this one must have hurt. Donegal would have been the opponents in the final, and you'd have to think that this was the year when things really could have gone Mayo's way.

A Kieran Donaghy-inspired Kerry beat Mayo by three points - this one must have smarted...

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