Mayo rediscover their momentum at the perfect time with massive win
Mayo produced an accomplished second half performance to defeat Galway by a point, 1-10 to 0-12, at Pearse Stadium to book a place against Dublin, Armagh or Derry in next weekend's All-Ireland SFC quarterfinals, the draw for which will be made tomorrow morning.
A second half-goal by defender David McBrien following a sweeping attack proved crucial in turning the game in the visitors' favour.
Kevin McStay's charges had been trailing by five points at half-time and looked out of sorts during the opening period as Galway restricted their space.
But with a stiff wind at their backs after the restart, it all changed as Mayo took command and McBrien's goal represented a key turning point along with fine scores from play by Paddy Durcan (two) and Ryan O'Donoghue.
Cillian O'Connor strengthened Mayo's grip with a magnificent point shortly after his introduction before Colm Reape made a telling save at the other end from Matthew Tierney.
In an almost chaotic finish, Galway kept pressing to the end in search of a goal but were denied by resolute and calm Mayo defending, James Carr's point after coming on as a substitute proving decisive.
Man-of-the-match Diarmuid O'Connor described the encounter as 'a mental battle' which Galway won in the first half and Mayo in the second.
"Our backs were against the wall and we just threw off the shackles and went back to basics in the second half.
"We put our bodies on the line and it paid off in the end.
"The decision to play against the wind in the first half did not work out. It was very disappointing.
"But, thankfully, it all changed in the second half."
Asked about next weekend's quarterfinals, he stated: "Momentum is a real factor in this championship.
"I don't think anybody will fancy getting us in the draw with such momentum behind us now."
Mayo captain Patrick Durcan told The Sunday Game Live it was a relief to get the win at the end.
"At this stage of the championship, matches can go either way. So we are just delighted to be in the draw for the last eight.
"We were not dejected at half-time because we knew the wind would be a factor.
"And once we scored the goal, I think it gave us the boost we needed to drive home to victory.
"We have a lot more work to do, we know that."
Mayo manager Kevin McStay said it was a massive contest.
"The goal was the difference, Aidan O'Shea opened it up for David McBrien and the execution was brilliant.
"I have been telling him all year that he was going to do something like that. Today he did.
"It gave us a great platform and we played it out as best we could. It was not easy.
"Right now I feel we can go right at this championship now. We now know the value of having a big squad.
"We are massively enthusiastic for the next round in Croke Park."
Mayo: Colm Reape; Sam Callinan, David McBrien (1-0), Eoghan McLaughlin; Jack Coyne, Jason Doherty, Paddy Durcan (0-2); Stephen Coen (0-1), Aidan O’Shea; Diarmuid O’Connor, Kevin McLoughlin (0-1), Jordan Flynn; Ryan O’Donoghue (0-3, 1f), Jack Carney, Tommy Conroy (0-2). Subs used: Enda Hession for Doherty (H-T), Cillian O’Connor (0-1) for McLoughlin (45), Matthew Ruane for Carney (59), James Carr for O’Shea (63), Donnacha McHugh for Coyne (73)
Galway: Connor Gleeson; Johnny McGrath, Seán Fitzgerald, Jack Glynn; Seán Kelly, Cian Hernon, John Daly; Paul Conroy (0-1), Matthew Tierney (0-2, 1f); Cillian McDaid (0-1), Peter Cooke (0-1), John Maher (0-2); Johnny Heaney, Damien Comer (0-1), Shane Walsh (0-4f).
Subs used: Ian Burke for Damien Comer (H-T), Cathal Sweeney for Johnny Heaney (48), Robert Finnerty for Cian Hernon (63), Tomo Culhane for Peter Cooke (69).
Referee: Seán Hurson (Tyrone).