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:
13. Ryan O'Donoghue: 9/10. After spending basically the entire season in the 11 jersey, the Belmullet sharpshooter was moved closer to the target by Moran for this fixture. There was certainly no fall-off in his performance. He was his usual self, a livewire, nearly everywhere on the pitch. Apart from his world class point kicking, be it from free or open play, his hustle with a minute to go is almost an instant classic. He got tackled to the ground, and as the referee wouldn't blow the whistle for a foul, O'Donoghue just got up, won the ball again and earned the free, that would give Mayo a crucial three-point lead, which ultimately sealed the win.
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14. Kobe McDonald: 8.5/10. The teenager needed about fifteen minutes, to properly lay hands on the ball. But then he did, he ran almost riot. The Crossmolina man first scored a brilliant point, then treated the audience in Clones to a two-pointer, before tapping in for Mayo's goal. McDonald had further interventions in the second half, and also a few turnovers. He won the crucial last kick-out to deny Monaghan a chance to force extra-time or worse.
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15. Paddy Durcan: 7/10. The former captain came on in the 48th minute and brought energy. It's good to see him healthy and bringing speed and hard running to the attack late in the game. Won an important breaking ball late on.
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16. Paul Towey: 6.5/10. He is a different player, when he's not lining out for Charlestown. Came on in the 48th minute, and was solid on the ball, without getting a shot off himself.
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