Mayo GAA manager Andy Moran and his players will return battle-hardened from Monaghan. They seemed in full control at half-time, but everyone kind of anticipated a fightback from the Farney men, as they had done before.
Eventually, due to crucial interventions from Ryan O’Donoghue and Kobe McDonald, Mayo got the win over the line and will be in the winners’ pot come the draw for Round 2A on Tuesday.
We run the rule over the Mayo players’ performances on Sunday:
5. David McBrien: 7/10. His name evolved around most debates around the county in the last weeks. Many would argue, his best position is in the full-backs, instead of midfield. Andy Moran diverted half-way from his previous selections and fielded McBrien as centre-half-back. His biggest task was shutting down runners in the middle, but while mostly did a good job in the first half, Monaghan had lots of space to roam in the second.
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6. Diarmuid Duffy: 7/10. Probably the most surprising nomination. The Ballinrobe man celebrated his Championship debut against Monaghan. Duffy brought dynamism and athleticism . He covered a lot of ground. However, got caught badly in the first half which led to a point. But a solid debut.
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7. Stephen Coen: 7/10. He wasn't named initially in the starting team, but the 30-year-old replaced an injured Bob Tuohy, who was initially named to start. Coen's experience made a positive impact in the middle of the field. The Hollymount-Carramore man was a stabilising factor, without pulling off flashy moves.
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8. Jack Carney: 7.5/10. He had played basically the whole year in the half-forward line but Moran moved the Kilmeena man back to the position he usually fills for his club. It didn't do him any harm. He used the breeze in the first half wisely and boomed two two-pointers over from open play.
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