Edwin McGreal
1 Playing the game on Dublin’s terms is never ideal
TRAILING by six points at half-time, Mayo came out much more open in the second half and kicked three points in the first six minutes – more than they managed in the entire first half. Trouble was, those points were only a reply to a Dublin score.
The game was opening up and this suited Dublin. The All-Ireland champions kicked four points in the next four minutes – converting every one of their first seven shots after the break – and with Mayo ten down, the game was as good as over.
2 David Clarke continues to defy physics
SOME of the goalkeeper’s saves this season have been spectacular. Up to Saturday night, the pick of his stops was, we feel, from Enda Smith’s effort at the end of the first half against Roscommon. But on Saturday he went beyond that.
The first save from Paddy Andrews’ penalty was the most straightforward – it was a weak shot – but his stop from the rebound, to get up and across to save at the other side of the goal, showed extraordinary reactions and agility.
So, too, his follow-up save from that rebound. For a big man, he gets up very quickly. Kudos to Colm Boyle for blocking a fourth effort with his arm, as it would have been a travesty had Clarke been beaten.
3 Mayo’s strength in depth is under review
AGAINST Roscommon, Mayo’s substitutes all made positive contributions, but on Saturday night they got very little impact off the bench.
Just as it can be easy to come on in a game you are winning, it can be difficult to turn the tide in a game like last Saturday’s. Brendan Harrison settled in well after coming on at half-time, but Mayo were slow to use any more of their subs, when many starters were struggling. Perhaps management did not have as much confidence in their bench as a week previously?
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