Dublin defeat Mayo in high-scoring league opener in Croke Park 

ALLIANZ NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 1 

Mayo 1-15 Dublin 1-17

In Croke Park 

Mayo were outscored 1-9 to 0-5 in the second half as Dublin prevailed in a historic game that was Mayo’s first competitive game to be played under the new rules. 

Dublin, inspired by six points from play from the excellent Seán Bugler, played their best football in the second half.

Mayo played some impressive football but failed to produce it consistently throughout 70 minutes of a game which concluded with the sound of a hooter instead of a referee’s whistle. 

Dublin got off to a good start and set the tone with a first-minute goal from Kevin Lahiff. 

Mayo fell seven behind and one point but slowly began to purr. 

Fergal Boland became the first Mayo man in history to score a two-pointer from kicking the ball over the bar from outside the 40-metre arc. Seconds later, Conor Reid finished Mayo’s only goal to level the game for the first time. 

With Paul Towey and Boland shining up front, Mayo had an impressive second quarter and led 1-10 to 1-8 at half-time.

The hosts enjoyed a good start and finish to the second half, with Seán Bugler and Ciarán Kilkenny having a big influence along with substitute Luke Breathnach, who scored two points after coming on. 

With less possession, less luck on the kick-outs, and fewer scores, Mayo were the lesser team in the second half and remained winless in 2025. 

A full report plus reaction will be carried in Tuesday’s Mayo News.