Edwin McGreal
Analysis of Mayo’s performance
Cillian O’Connor stole the show with a coolness that belied his years but work-rate was the dominant attribute of Mayo’s play
Robert Hennelly 7
Solid and unspectacular for the first 68 minutes before a moment for the ages with a superb catch over the crossbar to deny Roscommon an equaliser.
Keith Higgins 7
Was exceptional in the first twenty minutes in cutting off space and winning dirty ball. Not as prominent afterwards but rarely in trouble either.
Alan Feeney 6
Struggled in the first half with Donie Shine and appeared to stand off too much. Was doing somewhat better in the second half but the change made sense..
Tom Cunniffe 8
The man they call ‘Tom Turbo’ left the much-heralded Senan Kilbride in his slipstream. Won plenty of ball out in front and made crucial breaks forward.
Richie Feeney 8
Started slowly but went on to dominate his patch. Picked up loads of possession and stood up and was counted in the tight last ten minutes. Played like a veteran.
Trevor Mortimer 7
Defensively he was sound and attacked any ball that came his way with vigour and power. His kicking let him down from time to time but he led by example.
Donal Vaughan 6
Was accountable for Roscommon’s first two points and never really settled into the game after that. Conditions didn’t allow him to exploit his athleticism either.
Aidan O’Shea 7
Was concussed after a clash of heads but played on, which summed up his attitude. Trojan work-rate and helped Mayo get on sufficient ball around the middle.
Seamus O’Shea 6
Like his brother he worked very hard. Picked up a lot of hard ball around the middle but will know that his handling and kicking was awry on the day.
Kevin McLoughlin 6
His point at the end of the first half was well-executed and crucial but, that aside, the link-man was not as involved in the game as he would have liked.
Alan Dillon 7
Very quiet in the first half but he upped it considerably after half-time. Got on a lot of ball, linked play quite well, and did superbly to win the free for the lead score.
Andy Moran 6
Struggled to escape from the clutches of David Keenan on the wing and only looked dangerous when played inside. Could have been a villain for a borderline, but needless, late foul.
Alan Freeman 6
Worked well when brought out to the half-forward line in the first half but, when inside, the Aghamore man wasn’t a threat. Struggled to hold the ball.
Jason Doherty 6
Like Freeman, the Burrishoole sniper struggled to win ball inside, with Seánie McDermott asking serious questions of him. A dry day may suit better.??
MAN OF THE MATCH
Cillian O’Connor 9
Eight points from frees but was Mayo’s greatest threat from play too. Had assists for four of Mayo’s five points from play and was fouled for four frees in scoring range. Immense.
SUBS
Ger Cafferkey 7
Although he was the first full Mayo sub’ on, he had the least to do. Looked solid though apart from one spill in the last minute.
Enda Varley 8
Got ten minutes and left a very good impression. Won one good free on the right wing and threw over a fine insurance point.
Ronan McGarrity 7
Must not have been fully fit if he wasn’t used as a blood sub’ earlier. Gave away one reckless free but more than made up for it with a fine turnover on Finneran for Varley’s point.
Peadar Gardiner 7
Only came on in the 67th minute but still had plenty to do. Kicked over another key late Connacht Final point and made a necessary foul on Cathal Cregg too.
James Kilcullen
Not on long enough to be rated.
Management 7
Might have acted quicker in taking off some players who were struggling and some of them were left on the field for the whole game. Each of the changes had a positive impact though and two good second half performances in a row point to a confident squad.
The Cillian O’Connor ‘call’ worked too.
