COLUMN: Positives for Moran as Mayo look ahead to Connacht Championship

IT was one of those afternoons where you nearly needed two pairs of eyes.

I had one eye on the Mayo game, another on what was unfolding in Armagh, and was constantly hopping back and forth as the bigger picture began to take shape.

By the closing stages, the focus had almost shifted as much to permutations as to performance. In the end, Mayo fell just short of a league final, and Armagh survived in Division One.

When you look at the numbers, it’s actually remarkable how close Mayo came to a place in the final. In the moment, there’s always a mix of emotions.

Watching the closing stages of the Armagh game, there was that split feeling — part of you hoping results would fall a certain way, part of you already accepting how things might land.

And when it doesn’t quite go your way, there’s an initial sense of disappointment.

But that tends to settle quickly.

Because when you step back and look at the league as a whole, the conclusion is fairly straightforward — the two best teams over the course of the campaign made the final.

Mayo, for all their progress, are probably still a step behind that level, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing to acknowledge at this stage of the year.

In fact, it may even be helpful. Because instead of getting caught up in a league final, the focus now sharpens quickly.

The next hurdle is London, and after that it’s Roscommon again — this time with far more at stake. That’s what makes a day like this slightly unusual. Both teams are left processing it in different ways.

Mayo did everything they could, but still came up short of the final. Roscommon, on the other hand, will have their own thoughts about how the game slipped away.

From a Mayo perspective, though, this is far easier to deal with than a heavy defeat.

There’s no damage done in terms of confidence. If anything, it reinforces the idea that they are moving in the right direction.

GRASPING OPPORTUNITIES

Looking at the game itself, there was plenty to take from it.

The team selection suggested a balance between trying to win and giving opportunities.

Without knowing the full injury picture, it looked like a chance for some players to stake a claim while still putting out a side capable of getting a result.

In goals, Jack Livingstone got his opportunity and did well overall. A composed long-range free, a brave intervention early in the first half, and a generally steady display.

There was one moment in the second half where things didn’t go as smoothly, but that’s part of the learning process. Overall, it was a valuable outing.

Further out, there were encouraging signs from players who haven’t featured as heavily. Diarmuid Duffy showed his pace and attacking intent, getting forward for a well-taken score.

Seamus Howard did a lot of the simple things right around midfield — competing, winning breaks, using his size effectively.

Hugh O'Loughlin also contributed positively, getting forward to take a score and showing a willingness to be involved.

These are the kind of performances that don’t always grab headlines but build depth within a squad.

Of course, it’s easier for players to look comfortable when the team is on top — and Mayo were dominant for long spells.

MOVEMENT AND VISION

Interestingly, the game followed a somewhat familiar pattern. For the opening 20 minutes, things were fairly even.

Roscommon had their moments, even hitting a goal, and Mayo had a couple of missed opportunities themselves.

There was a slight lack of precision, and you wondered if it might become another tight contest.

But from that point on, the game shifted dramatically.

What stood out most was the quality of Mayo’s attacking play when it clicked. The first two goals were excellent examples.

Ryan O'Donoghue’s movement and vision created the openings, drawing defenders and releasing teammates at exactly the right moment.

Paul Towey finished the first with composure, while Jack Carney showed similar calmness for the second.

Both were placed finishes, low into the corner — the kind of goals built on precision rather than power.

That theme continued throughout. Cian McHale impressed not just with his scoring, but with the quality of his distribution.

A number of his kick-passes in the attacking third were inch-perfect, delivered straight into the hands of teammates without breaking stride.

It’s a small detail, but at this level it makes a huge difference.

His pass into Aidan O'Shea for another goal chance summed it up — accurate, well-weighted, and giving the receiver every chance to finish.

When you look at the goals Mayo scored, they all had that common thread: precision.

Whether it was the final pass or the finish, the execution was sharp. And if Mayo are to compete with the very best later in the year, that level of accuracy is non-negotiable.

Much of that was built on dominance around the middle. Jordan Flynn, Sam Callinan, and others drove the team forward, while the overall work-rate ensured a steady supply of possession.

There were positives, too, in seeing experienced players return. Tommy Conroy, Cillian O'Connor, and Frank Irwin all got minutes and, importantly, got on the scoresheet.

For forwards, that matters — it builds rhythm and confidence ahead of championship.

BIGGER PICTURE

Stepping back to the bigger picture, the league campaign as a whole has to be viewed as a success.

There were two heavy defeats, yes — away to Donegal and Kerry — but those are arguably the strongest teams in the country.

Outside of that, Mayo won the other five games and built a strong scoring difference. That consistency counts.

More importantly, there has been visible progress.

The two-point shooting has improved significantly. The midfield looks more competitive on long kick-outs.

There is a clearer tactical approach, particularly in how Mayo have adapted to conditions. And perhaps most importantly, issues that arose early in the campaign have been addressed as it went on.

That speaks to coaching.

Andy and his management team have shown an ability to identify weaknesses and work on them.

This team is not the finished article — far from it — but there is clear evidence of development. And that’s what you want from a league campaign.

So while missing out on a final will sting briefly, the bigger picture remains a positive one.

Mayo have secured Division One status comfortably, introduced new players, and built a platform heading into the Connacht Championship.

There’s still work to do, and bigger tests to come when the heat of Championship comes calling.

But for a first league campaign with Andy at the helm, this has been a solid step forward, and one that leaves plenty to build on.