Mayo Garda unfurls flag in workplace rivalry with Donegal 'keeper Patton
Garda Anne McGreal, from Westport, surprised Donegal goalkeeper Shaun Patton and the students of Tooban National School with her gesture ahead of Sunday's championship clash
One senses there will be plenty of divided loyalties in one Donegal Garda station this week, as Westport native Anne McGreal and Donegal goalkeeper Shaun Patton both eagerly anticipate Sunday’s crunch All-Ireland championship clash between Mayo and Donegal.
Garda McGreal, stationed in Buncrana, and her colleague and net-minder for Jim McGuinness’ side, Garda Patton, will both be desperately hoping for separate outcomes of the potential season decider in Hyde Park.
In a trip to Saint Mura’s National School in Tooban, the students and Garda Patton had a less-than-friendly reaction to the Mayo flag unfurled by Anne during a photo with the Anglo Celt Cup, which Garda Patton brought along.
The Mayo flag wasn’t the only green flag unfurled on the day, as the pair made their way to the schoolyard to raise the school’s second green flag, recognising their environmental achievements.
Both Garda Patton and Garda McGreal will be hoping they’ll be returning to work on Monday morning with the bragging rights in tow.