Not perfect but another major step forward

IT was tense. It was tough. Indeed at times in the first half the game threatened to descend into a nasty affair as late tackles, sly hits and Cork’s determination to set the physical agenda had players and supporters on edge.

That Mayo prevailed is a testament to their character, their willingness to give as good as they got and put into practice their hard-earned experience garnered over the last four seasons.

There was never a time over the 75 minutes that I felt that Mayo would lose the tie. In a tense opening half, scores from a rejuvenated Alan Dillon, the outstanding Seamie O’Shea, Cillian O’Connor and Jason Doherty ensured parity at the half time break.

The anticipated sweeper system deployed by the Rebels succeeded to a degree in clogging our supply line while at the same time creating vast tracts in our defence that at times stretched our full-back line.

Brian Hurley and Colm O’Neill thrived in these circumstances so level at the interval was a fair reflection of the exchanges.

The Aussies refer to it as the ‘moving quarter’, that period after half time when the drive for dominance is intensified and teams make that extra effort to wrest the initiative from their opponents.

In out-scoring Cork by eight points to one in the opening 15minutes of the second half Mayo established the dominance sought and created the advantage that they were never to relinquish.

In this purple patch characterised by a searing intensity, a greater willingness to work for one another and a much grittier defensive performance, six different players registered scores.

Jason Doherty set the trend and the push which saw Cillian O’Connor stretch the lead to seven points should have ensured a bit more comfort over the closing stretch than what actually ensued.

In introducing Donnacha O’Connor for the final 20 minutes, Cork unleashed a player whose savvy and accuracy nearly turned the tie in their favour.

On the back of three well-taken points that seemed of academic value at the time, it was his goal on 60 minutes that drew the teams level.

That Mayo held their nerve and responded with a calmly taken goal of their own by Aidan O’Shea is a mark of a good team.

Even when Hurley found the net a few minutes later there was little sign of panic and those late and welcome points by Donal Vaughan and Lee Keegan gave us the cushion that saw us through those frantic last few minutes.

The nature of the win should stand to the team as they approach the concluding stage of the championship. Manliness, courage and an ability to cobble a win while playing within themselves at times is a priceless attribute. The O'Shea brothers were immense, with Seamie lighting the torch for those around him. Tom Cunniffe was steadiness personified and Alan Dillon reminded everyone again of his great gifts.

It wasn’t perfect and further improvement is needed as the Kingdom awaits, but for the moment the team, management and supporters will be glad to have cleared this hurdle.