Mayo got their Division One campaign back on track this afternoon when they blew Monaghan out of the water in a one-sided clash at St Tiernach’s Park in Clones. The visitors got motoring with the wind behind them in the first half and led by eleven at the break. They powered on to win by nineteen at the finish.
The win puts to bed in emphatic fashion any fears about top tier survival this year. With three League matches left to play Andy Moran and his colleagues now have the luxury of using these outings to advance their preparations for the summer campaign.
We lined out as selected but Monaghan made two changes, with Rory Beggan’s absence between the sticks the main pre-match talking point.
They started brighter and bagged the day’s opening two scores. We took a small while to settle but got moving on six minutes when Ryan O’Donoghue was fouled just outside the arc and Darragh Beirne knocked over the resulting two-point free.
Paddy Durcan snatched a shot wide but then Jack Carney came onto the ball just outside the arc and fired over our second two-point score of the day. Soon after we turned the ball over down the other end and a flowing move ended with a Fergal Boland point.
Ryan O’Donoghue got our next two scores. One was a free but the second was a penalty – awarded after a foul on Darragh Beirne – that the Belmullet player ballooned over the bar.
That failure to twist the knife gave Monaghan a sense of purpose. After they got their third point of the day, Paddy Durcan clipped one over for us but they then got the next two scores to cut the gap to three.
We came back, though, and reeled off five points without reply. A Jordan Flynn two-pointer was followed by a single from the same player and then Sam Callinan got on the end of a good move before Darragh Beirne won the ball inside, turned and rammed it over to stretch our lead to eight points.
With the rain bucketing down and the wind whipping up we surged further clear. Fergal Boland launched two long-range missiles, both efforts flying over the bar as we took a handsome eleven-point lead into the dressing room.
Monaghan now had the advantage of what was a tricky wind but they also had a mountain to climb to get back into this game. Their task was made that little bit harder as we got the half’s first score, Darragh Beirne getting on the end of a well-worked move.
A brief scoreless spell followed as both sides struggled with the now difficult conditions. McCarron, a half-time sub, broke this deadlock with a close-in free and when, after Aidan O’Shea had become the last of our starting forwards to get his name on the scoresheet, McCarron all but walked the ball into the net and then added a point soon after it looked as if the comeback was on.
Points from Paddy Durcan and Ryan O’Donoghue, the latter muscling his way clear and shooting over from a narrow angle on the right, steadied the ship for us. Then after Bannigan pointed a free for them we put the result beyond doubt when Conor Loftus provided a superb assist for Aidan O’Shea who shot emphatically to the net.
And then Kobe came on.
When he was included in the match day 26, it seemed written in the stars that the young Crossmolina player would make his competitive debut at some point today. It was, perhaps, inevitable that he’d also light up the occasion with a dream debut, in which he’d bag 1-4, scoring every time he went for the posts.
He began this cameo with a point from out on the right. Then, played into space by big brother Jordan with the goal opening up in front of him, it was clear he had only one thing on his mind. He bore down rapidly on goal and slammed the ball into the far corner of the net.
A second Monaghan goal was no more than an irritant – Rob experienced shades of the 2013 All-Ireland when he half-came for a high ball in and the Monaghan player got between him and the defender and flicked it to the net – as soon afterwards Kobe lashed over a two-pointer. His grace note came near the end when he got possession in a crowded space but pirouetted clear and slipped it over.
Jordan Flynn, falling as he shot, added one more to what was by now an impressive household tally. Ryan O’Donoghue closed out our scoring shortly before the hooter as we reached the thirty-point mark, winning by a thumping nineteen-point margin.
This was by far our best display so far this year. It was aided, for sure, by the abject opposition provided by Monaghan but, from our perspective, it was good to see us show a bit of ruthlessness in how we finished them off.
We can now push on for a possible League final or else choose to experiment as we freewheel towards the conclusion of what will now be a satisfactory Division One campaign for us. It’s no bad thing to have such options open to us after four rounds of League matches.
Mayo: Rob Hennelly (0-1, ’45); Jack Coyne, Donnacha McHugh, Enda Hession; Sam Callinan (0-1), Conor Loftus, Paddy Durcan (0-2); Bob Tuohy, David McBrien; Jack Carney (0-2, 2pt), Ryan O’Donoghue (0-4, free and penalty), Jordan Flynn (0-5, one 2pt); Darragh Beirne (0-5, 2pt free and free), Aidan O’Shea (1-1), Fergal Boland (0-5, two 2pt). Subs: Kobe McDonald (1-4, one 2pt) for Beirne, Michael Plunkett for Loftus, Paul Towey for Carney, Seán Morahan for Durcan, Stephen Coen for Boland.
Mayo1992 says:
February 22, 2026 at 5:19 pm
Rolls Royce performance.
Bring on Armagh!
Willie Joe says:
February 22, 2026 at 5:27 pm
Final Whistle pod up now on Patreon and we'll be releasing a free taster segment of this on all platforms in a bit.
Travelling Wilbury says:
February 22, 2026 at 5:45 pm
Monaghan were very poor today so I am looking forward even more to the Armagh match next week.
We have at least three great games to look forward to before the trip over the Irish Sea.
Fair play to the lads today. Up Mayo.
Dooniver Swifts says:
February 22, 2026 at 5:50 pm
A master class of ruthless forward scoring with Bob Touhy ruling the roost at midfield. And a stunning cameo by CMD. I don't want to rain on anyone's parade but questions have to be asked about conceding 2-11 against possibly the worst division 1 team in recent years. The last 4 matches our full back line have been clinically taken apart and nothing seems to change. What is Tally's role in our defensive tactics. Wasn't that's why he was brought in . Another question must be asked about Aido's role. He took his goal superbly but he spent the day roaming around midfield with no discernible impact.With the greatest respect to Aido he is an impact sub come championship tine. Can't understand why Cian McHale was left warming the bench for the whole match. And bringing on Coen and Plunkett when the match was truly won. Andy was ruthless when he hooked Carr in the 1st half last week and dropped him from squad. I have nothing against Andy and I hope he succeeds but leaving out our exciting young forwards when they should be getting game time is a head scratcher. Which was something he promised to do when he got the job. In fairness he has practically secured 1st Division status which is brilliant. So the ends justify the means. Maybe.
Robe green and red says:
February 22, 2026 at 5:50 pm
There’s only one Kobe. Unbelievable talent. If he leaves the shores of Mayo and brings home Sam before his departure I will die a happy Man. Maigheo ABU
Digits says:
February 22, 2026 at 5:51 pm
For those who enjoy relegation chat, there are still, mathematically, several ways we can get relegated! Perhaps Division 2 could entice Kobe to stay???
Damien says:
February 22, 2026 at 5:54 pm
Great day in Clones!
Liberal role in the tie says:
February 22, 2026 at 6:15 pm
How are the Auzzies finding the Mayo lads? Is there someone local scouting them? It's terrible
No doubt says:
February 22, 2026 at 6:25 pm
Come off it anyone who's criticising conceding 2-11.mccarron got a slice of luck with the 1st goal and yes the 2nd should have been cleared man and ball and also slightly harsh overcarring call on boland for a tap over point. 13 scores isn't outrageous to concede especially when the team is scoring big at the other end. Sure enough we can't get carried away but I think if we won 2-30 to no score I'd say some would complain about conceding wides. Well done to all of the squad it was nice to be able to enjoy a game relaxed.
Culmore says:
February 22, 2026 at 6:26 pm
Very good today all round, but why so bad last week, need to beat Armagh next week to see where we are at, Monaghan very poor today and missing over half first team, so settle down.
Ontheditch says:
February 22, 2026 at 6:42 pm
Andy is adressing problems from game to game, to his credit. Tuohy is progressing as a ball winners in the middle. We need to avoid overlord but it was exhibition today.
Hugh credit to Jordan Flynn. All positive today and it makes such a difference.
Carney still needs to deliver more. His first thought is around the arc, Callinan or Flynn on the other hand is through the arc. Its so ingrained into him from previous management.
Maybe Andy could have introduced subs a little earlier, but boy, did he get the first sub right.
Armagh will be a stiffer test, but the bounce back from Donegal game
Ontheditch says:
February 22, 2026 at 6:42 pm
was perfect
CDR says:
February 22, 2026 at 6:54 pm
Loftus must have directly assisted at least 1-8 today.
Supermac says:
February 22, 2026 at 6:54 pm
Agreed on the voting in the motm. That was my top 3 as well.
Great to see Bob Touhy kick on, ill be honest until this year i just didn't see it with him. He's nailed down his champo spot now.
Its going to be wall to wall Kobe across social media all week.Embrace the hype
Craggy boglands says:
February 22, 2026 at 6:55 pm
Still not convinced about mcbrien outfield. Think when the opposition gets better we need him in defence
Richard Bourke says:
February 22, 2026 at 7:20 pm
What a performance from our forwards. Touhy is coming of age in the middle and with Conor Loftus breaking forward, we have some serious options to open up teams. Kobe is a generational talent. Beirne is looking comfortable. Ryan pulling the strings from CHF.
I'd be less complementary about defence. How Jack Coyne was left on McCarron for the full second half needs to be looked at because he was roasted. Conor is great going forward from CHB but he's not great defensively there. Robbie was shaky today and the long ball in for a soft flick to the net is still one of our trademark gifts to the opposition.
Parkoncroakie says:
February 22, 2026 at 7:21 pm
Well done to Andy and all. What a super performance from 1 to 15 and subs too .for me the most pleasing aspect of the performance was despite the huge margin on the scoreboard we never let up .. hon Mayo
JimmysEyebrow says:
February 22, 2026 at 7:30 pm
I'm all for balanced analysis but can we just enjoy a good win?
To address some of the negativity:
13 scores conceded in the modern came isnt bad
Goal 1 - on another day Jack Coynes tackle is lauded as exceptional defending, it unluckily bounced straight back to McCarron and took Robbie out of the game.
Goal 2 - Yes, in hindsight, Robbie could have won it but the main issue is Ryan (at fullback) didn't impede the guy jumping. Get your arse out and bump the jumper to give Robbie a better chance.
Choice of subs:
Cian McHale has played loads of football and will get more chances. Kobe and Towey needed minutes. Also people saying we're shaky at the back and complain when we give minutes to more backs?
Sit, back and enjoy the football - good or bad. You can't control the team on the field or the management but you can control the urge to post negativity on an online blog. There's more important things in life.
Craggy boglands says:
February 22, 2026 at 7:31 pm
4 touches. 1.4. On your debut. I've never seen that in my lifetime following mayo. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Bogman says:
February 22, 2026 at 7:58 pm
Well worth the trip to Clones after the disappointment in Letterkenny. Had to be there when I saw Kobe listed in the subs. What a debut regardless of the opposition. Just glides over the ground and what a finisher. Clifford has competition! Another 20 minutes against Armagh needed next week as huge crowd guaranteed to be in McHale Park next Sunday. Let's enjoy him while we can.
Joeyo says:
February 22, 2026 at 8:35 pm
4get about the forwards Tuohy was outstanding in midfield. Have to hand it to Andy Moran way ahead of me playing Mayo's most talented player "Ryan O'Donoghue" as the fulcrum of the team so he pulls all the strings like they do in professional soccer with the likes of DeBruen at City or Odegaard at Arsenal. Very impressive ,keep it up Andy we're all behind you
Pk says:
February 22, 2026 at 10:33 pm
Fantastic performance. Lets not carried away. Monghan going down. Next game will tell alot
Kingdomcalling says:
February 23, 2026 at 12:02 am
Mayo are looking very exciting. When is Matthew Ruane back? Also is John McMonagle injured? Ye have some serious options for the championship, I imagine Kobe will demand a starting berth. Great to have such a positive manager like Andy.
Swallowtail says:
February 23, 2026 at 12:15 am
Thanks Mayo team & management for an unforgetable day in Clones 2026. From the senior player to the young gun, his class brother, big Bob & the two pocket rockets of ROD & Fergie it will long in the memory.
Some 2 pointers from Fergie Boland.
The recovery truck positioned outside the pitch after the past 2 games seems a great idea, icebaths/sauna for recovery.
John McHale says:
February 23, 2026 at 12:22 am
Monaghans performance today was about as bad as it gets and hard to see them getting any points from their remaining games.
Make no mistake, Mayo played some very good football today and it will give them a much needed lift after the Donegal game...but that's about it.
Getting points from Armagh, Kerry or Roscommon won't be easy and we could be looking for other results to keep us safe...let's hope it doesn't come to that!