The famous Times Square steps could have been the steps of Hill 16 on Saturday evening as thousands of Mayo fans descended on the iconic landmark ahead of their clash with New York at Gaelic Park on Sunday. 

"The Green and Red of Mayo" could be heard throughout Times Square, while a Mayo flag was passed up and down the Times Square steps during the takeover. 

The event, which was organized by Westport-based protective clothing company Portwest, took place before Mayo's Connacht SFC quarter-final clash with New York at Gaelic Park on Sunday. 

Mayo fans have been arriving in New York all week ahead of the sold-out event, with Mayo beginning their latest quest to end a 73-year wait for Sam Maguire. 

Donal Walsh, the Vice Chairperson of Kilmaine GAA, is preparing for his third clash between Mayo and New York in Gaelic Park, previously traveling to the Big Apple in 2014 and 2019. 

"It brings a serious amount of pride to see the red and green swelling Times Square," Walsh said. "Not just this year, but five years ago and five years ago before that. Mayo people are very proud people.

Alan Burke, also from Kilmaine, lived in Australia for several years and spoke of the importance of the GAA to Irish communities abroad. 

"I lived in Australia for 15 years and probably the best time I had was when an Irish team came out to play International Rules. I guarantee you that the people in New York love to see the Mayos or the Leitrims coming here," Burke said. "It puts a spring in your step to show your people around the town.

John and Chris Kelly from Foxford are preparing for their first game in Gaelic Park 

"We've been to New York many times, so we said we might as well be here while Mayo is playing." John Kelly said. 

"I'm meeting people here that I haven't met in ten years," he added. 

"It's amazing to see," Chris Kelly added. "We took over Times Square." 

Cian and Ronan, both from Castlebar, traveled to New York at the beginning of the week ahead of Sunday's game and have been soaking up the atmosphere throughout the week. 

"My one regret was that I didn't come here last time and I said to myself by hook or by crook I'll be out here this time," Ronan said. 

"It's not often you have an excuse to come together," Cian said. "There's a great community atmosphere here. The fact that we've lost so many times in finals I think it brings us together a bit more." 

"We took over Times Square, it's magic," Ronan added. 

Saturday's event also saw two Mayo billboards light up Times Square, with Portwest advertising there throughout the day. 

Farm machinery company McHale also rented a billboard in Times Square on Saturday, advertising Kilmaine GAA's raffle to win a Fusion 4 Baler. 

The billboard, which featured clips of Croke Park and children from the club sporting Mayo jerseys, appeared above the Pele Soccer store on Broadway throughout the day.