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:
9. Hugh O'Loughlin: 8/10. A towering presence in midfield. It came to a surprise to many that Moran brought him on from the start but the Kilmaine man showed everyone why he was picked. He plucked kick-outs from the air, threw himself mercilessly into tackles, showed kick-passing skills and was overall an important factor.
SPORTSFILE
10. Conor Loftus: 7/10. Ahead of the team announcement, The Mayo News had argued for him to be moved to centre-half-forward. And Moran moved the Crossmolina man up the field. He had a superb run in the second half that he finished off with a classy clip over the bar. Always active, but wasn't hugely influential in attack.
SPORTSFILE
11. Jordan Flynn: 7.5/10. He's generally had a good year in the green and red jersey. Was often in the thick of the midfield battle, winning possession. Didn't put a foot wrong in attack and scored two magnificent points. In the second half, he masterfully dashed through two defenders and finished deadly.
SPORTSFILE
12. Darragh Beirne: 8/10. His assist for Kobe McDonald's goal in the first half was all about his game. Secured primary possession, moved around the defender, putting him on the wrong foot, and kept his balance and composure to deliver the fist pass for Kobe to tap it in. The Claremorris man also showed resilience, slotting a big two-point free right after getting resolutely tackled to the ground.
SPORTSFILE
3 / 6