MAYO
1. Terrific turnovers
Mayo’s physicality vexed Galway especially in the first half. Three opening period goals were pocketed by Mayo, who repeatedly pinned Galway back. James Horan was thrilled by the attitude and application his attackers showed.
Horan also acknowledged the way his team can convert chances too. Galway gifted them so many opportunities, but Horan reckoned that it owed so much to Mayo’s encouraging ability to make turnovers high up the pitch.
2. Increasing depth
Some people strangely wondered whether Mayo would have the forwards to post a big total and Horan was disappointed by that negative talk. Alan Dillon was a late inclusion and kicked a few fine points, while the convalescing Andy Moran bagged a goal with a late cameo.
Enda Varley was effective and efficient in the corner, Cathal Carolan worked diligently, while another newcomer Darren Coen nailed a tidy point. Cillian O’Connor kicked the frees with trademark accuracy.
Alan Freeman offers a genuine ball winning threat inside, while Kevin McLoughlin buzzed about seeking involvement. Horan is adamant that Mayo have options up front. Sunday’s evidence suggested his optimism isn’t misplaced.
3. Half back power
Donal Vaughan, Colm Boyle, and Lee Keegan performed with their usual desire and drive. Vaughan ventured up the field to score 1-1, Keegan struck a point, while Boyle was always relevant to the narrative too.
Galway made no real impact against Mayo’s pacy and powerful trio. Whoever topples Mayo will have to disturb Mayo’s half back line because they are crucial and crafty contributors.
Donal Vaughan scores Mayo’s third goal
Pic: INPHO/Cathal Noonan
GALWAY
1. Where are the leaders?
Before the match Alan Mulholland issued a demand for a new breed of Corribsiders leaders to emerge. Without Joe Bergin and Padraic Joyce Galway have no All Ireland senior medalist left.
Few stepped up to the plate against Mayo. There were tiny streaks of defiance, but most of that came when the game was in garbage time, which amazingly was the whole second half. The issue was done and dusted by the interval. Galway were rudderless.
2. Galway don’t seem to do the qualifiers
Since becoming the first back door All Ireland champions in 2001 Galway’s record in the qualifiers is abysmal. The players will be let back to their clubs for the first round of the Galway championship next week, but the players need to embrace the potential of a back door adventure.
Galway have a woeful record outside of Connacht and haven’t claimed a victory in the qualifiers since defeating Louth in 2004. That is a worrying trend.
3. Suspensions
Gareth Bradshaw and Niall Coleman are two of Galway’s more physical footballers. They will be missing for Galway’s next competitive outing. Considering the manner in which Galway were bullied by Mayo they will be a losses for their ability to break tackles.
Most of their colleagues weren’t able to do what is a necessity in the contemporary game. The bans will bother Galway.
Galway’s Niall Coleman is shown a red card.
Pic: INPHO/James Crombie
