Well deserved

- Paddy's nickname Paddy Workin is so accurate. He was up and down the field and is such a great footballer and leader, welcome back.
- I thought Tuohy was brillant in the first half with Dawson, Brick and Morahan all showing grit, skill and work rate.
- Very simply you expect any intercounty team to work hard and honour the jersey, this certainly happened in Omagh.
- Tyrone went with a pacey but small FF line, they were starved off possession though as we were so dominant in the middle.
- The Donegal match will be a way more physical and hard hitting game unlike yesterday's. This could have been down to Coldrick penalised the lightest of touches for the softest of frees.
- Was never likely to be in Croke Park and with Jimmy rightly stating that is should not be I expect it to be in Hyde Park. Mayo should make it clear that we will not facilitate Breffini to be the neutral venue due to Donegal playing there today.
- Day started off with a great laugh when the stewards in Healy Park thought we were the team bus with our driver commenting that maybe we were better than what was coming behind us.!!!!

Paddy is like the rising tide...he lifted all boats.
Very well deserved. It was like PO'H said in the pod about leadership being more about action than words and Paddy inspired all around him by his actions.
Delighted to have him back.
I wonder was Rochy asked about Tommy's progression in his after match interview?

Well done Paddy.
Good Tourmakeady stock.

2 hops. No he wasn't asked about Tommy but paddy in his interview did say hopefully we get more players back for the next match but didn't mention any names. Tommy could be vital for donegal. We need him now. Donegal score heavily. We have to have them on the back foot and win the midfield battle. It was so important against Tyrone.

Thanks Craggy.... I'd have thought it should have been brought up by one of our local journos.

2 hops, I'd say they just don't even see the point in asking anymore. We were meant to see him by the end of the league, remember? And if they haven't been given an accurate update to date, they're not likely to get one now. I can't imagine we will see Tommy this season, and I just wish him a speedy recovery for his own sake at this point.

Well done Paddy Durcan. It was great to see him fit enough to start again never mind the mighty performance he put in. I would say he worked so hard to get back from his injury and in to the shape he is in. I hope he has a few more man of the match performances yet this year.

Hopefully Diarmuid is back v Donegal.
On the brighter side we have Aido, ROD, Mc Hale, Neary, Boland, Irwin , Towey, Dawson as Forwards who can score. Let’s not forget that these lads can score.
A major improvement from Reape and our backs against Tyrone has me thinking we can beat Donegal.
All is on the line in 2 weeks. Hopefully Rochford has a plan he coached these Donegal lads which could be of major importance to Mayo.

Well done Paddy what a warrior his leadership is so impressive last night with the absolute huge shift in intensity and a host of young guys throwing off the shackles was a joy to see and I thought Neary was fantastic when he came in he’s going to be a big player for us , but it’s so evident to see the way the championship is developing people really need to understand any game doesn’t define a team it’s so evident that we built our training for Galway and it didn’t work out and we’re flat as you could get for Cavan hopefully maby to get over that and build for Tyrone in a training block that worked out basically it’s not all black and white there are so many grey areas wheels within wheels any team can beat anyone from this weekend Down beat Louth that beat Meath that beat Dublin that beat Galway that beat Mayo that beat Tyrone that Beat Donegal that beat Armagh the all Ireland champions , people need to realise it’s not one swollow that makes a summer so many teams are on the same level and it’s all to play for

Two men that never kicked a ball all year were exceptionally good this weekend. Paddy Durcan and Rian o Neill. Jesus I hope he hasn't.. Heather is rising. What a lift he would give us.

Well done Paddy, he makes some difference to it.

Nearys impact was massive too, there will be a huge clamour to start him the next day but my own 2 cents is that we hold him back as impact sub for the last 20 mins, it's the first time in ages I seen a player give us a lift from the bench. It's all about your finishers, need someone to perform the soupy campbell role

Paddy Durcan is not just a great player but a much needed leader on the field.
While I accept that Stephen Rochford deserves to be manager after the performance against Tyrone I find it hard to forgive his decision to play Rob Hennelly in goal in preference to David Clarke during his tenure. That decision cost us an all ireland.
I do believe that Tyrone were flat following on from their victory over Donegal. If Donegal were flat yesterday then we are in for a hard game against them. But I think we can prevail.

Paddy has been our best best player since Keegan retired.
His drive from half back is a joy to behold.
The only player we have who would walk onto every other team in the county.
Gives it his all in every match too.

His leadership was vital to drive others onwards.

Hopefully he can keep the rest of the team at his level of effort for another few matches

@muckle Opening up old wounds there!!! But now that you have done it....one of the main reasons dublin managed to get the draw with us in the 16 final was due to the job they did on clarkes kickouts in the last 15 minutes or so....every person and his dog knew what the dubs were going to target in the replay....Clarkes kickouts again....repeating the same mistake again and expecting a different outcome is madness. Rochford had the balls to take the chance with changing keepers, of course we all know it didn't work out...but had he kept clarke in goal and the kickouts malfunctioned again in the replay, I can guarantee this blog would have exploded with people lambasting Rochford for not doing anything about it. Both keepers were fantastic keepers, it didn't work out. A major problem with it was that it leaked out that there was a change in goal letting the dubs know...that was a terrible thing to happen. I'm not pro or anti Rochford, but I am pro mayo and support whoever wears the jersey and whoever manages them. It doesn't mean criticism should not be forthcoming, ever..for anyone as long as its constructive and playing the ball not the man...

Not a game of quite the same importance but Morgan(who most people regard as one of the best around) has a similar malfunction to Rob on Saturday evening so it can happen to anyone I suppose...but yes well time to move on from that one... On keepers I thought Colm Reape seemed much more confident in all that he did against Tyrone the last day... hopefully that continues too.

The goalkeeper role is a pretty thankless one at the minute, pretty much all of them are making mistakes with the new rules, even cluxton struggled badly yday on his own kickouts. Forcing the keepers to kick longer into contests the best thing the frc done imo

@moyside I only raise the issue in the context of Stephens CV for the job. I know the reasons cited for the selection of Rob may be valid but Clarke was the better keeper. People have called out the Rochford antagonists on this blog. I am simply relating my reason for doubting his selection as manager. But I am sure Stephen has moved on and is proving his mettle. I am sure in Kevin's absence he can get the job done.

As a matter of interest cluxton kicked a ball out which was picked up inside the 21 by a Dublin player.the commentary duo didn’t seem to know whether that was allowed or not with fitzmaurice saying he thought it should have been a free in

Reape was excellent Saturday and not one over the sideline. Saw the Galway goalie Devanney doing it yesterday and they only got 1 point from the game. Fine margins. We were a lot more in the zone this weekend epitomised by the drive for the dirty ball Carney made for a free which I think Reape nailed for 2 points. McBriens steal from Kilpatrick was another crucial moment as was the chaos caused by Neary trying to tackle anytime he got remotely near a Tyrone player and his acceleration for the penalty was very Tommy like. Also happy with how low we kept Tyrone on the scoreboard. Bric was another plus both in defense and attack. I wasn’t convinced during the league but hard to argue against him starting vs Donegal. Morohan was worth the risk and management should stick with him now. Let Sam battle his place back along with Donnacha, others have answered the call. Flynn was hungry coming on and we have more alternative options now. Tuohy was good but has to repeat it if getting the nod again. Hession was excellent again, really consistent good form if he could add some scores that would be the icing on it. Aido’s hand passing was excellent apart from the one when he got pick pocketed. Pundits said 8/10 from all, I’d say 9 for Paddy and 8 for about half and 7 for the other half of the team. But the drive was definitely there and Coen alluded to working hard between games being a factor. Need to add polish to beat Donegal but not afraid of them. Presume McHugh to come back, hopefully it’s a short term. Our panel options are now looking strong. The 2 I’d be worried about risking again vs Donegal are Dawson (conceded a 2 point free) and Tuohy who needs to remain at Saturday’s level but can always start them and the backup is there. Dawson very 2 footed, a plus. I’m guessing Tuohy’s height contributed to our dominance of the middle albeit very few clean catches by either team.

@1985: It's a messy one.

The rule is the ball must be:
- kicked forward
- travel outside of the arc before being touched by another player

There's no rule on then catching the ball inside the 20m line if the curl/wind take it back in there.... but until a defender touches it inside the line there's a decent chance of officials (or commentators) not paying attention to if it went forward and/or outside of the arc.

Watched that game, saw that kick, but I've absolutely no idea if it was legal or not. Which says an awful lot about how poor that rule is.

Tsudho it is especially as fitzmaurice was involved in the creation of the rules.needs to be clarified

Well done paddy well deserved. One for @tsudhonim or anyone. If I'm right even though mayo have a huge job ahead i think mayo are the only team who can top our group without help from another team. If mayo win they top the group outright, if Donegal win they need cavan to beat Tyrone to finish top and if Tyrone win they need Donegal to beat mayo to finish top.

@No doubt: Sadly, no. If Cavan win against Tyrone we'd be 2nd to them even if we win against Donegal.

- Beat Donegal we're 2nd if Cavan win or 1st with any other result there
- Draw & we're 3rd if there's a win in the other game or 2nd if both games end drawn
- Lose & we're 3rd if Cavan beat Tyrone or 4th with any other result there

We'd need Cavan to drop points to Tyrone to guarantee top spot if we beat Donegal.

If Cavan beat Tyrone (unlikely I know), do we go through as we'll be on the same points as Tyrone & we've the advantage on the head-to-head?

Well done to Paddy so deserved delighted for him on first first game back.

I don't think there is much value trawling over 'water under the bridge' games, it's more about what we do from here forward.
We found ourselves a style of play that works for us against Tyrone. In that respect, what a difference Paddy Durcan made. The boost of his presence unleashed the team as a unit.
I agree with Olive above, in particular, the referee. We can hope they are consistent but teams need to do their homework in relation to a particular
refs interpretation of rules.

Shuffly Deck - I don’t think Donnacha should have to battle his place back, especially with every game now knockout. If he’s fully fit, he should be one of the first names on the team sheet. He’s probably been our most consistent player over the past two seasons. The unselfish side of his game—shutting down the opposition’s key threats while still posing a challenge going the other way—could be the difference between staying alive in the championship or being out of it in two weeks.

We are in knockout football now at least a week earlier than we would like. donegal match is essentially a last 16 match for us.
Win and we are in quarter final, lose and we are out.

It seems really odd but no one in our group can guarantee themselves top spot with a win.
Everyone is dependent on the team they lost to not winning.

If Cavan beat Tyrone then we are guaranteed to progress but can't win the group.
If Tyrone beat Cavan, then a win tops us the group, but defeat puts us out.

Do we know when the venue and time will be announced?

@yew_tree: "CCCC will meet tomorrow to nail down the plans."

Croker fully ruled out too.

https://www.irishnews.com/gaa/gaelic-football/no-croke-park-for-either-armagh-galway-or-donegal-mayo-ZWODPJZ7YZEM3DSZ7A7VKTL5NI/

Someone said the meeting deciding venue us tomorrow

Could be Longford

Well done Paddy and a big welcome back !

Tyrone game was salvation part one now they need to back that up with a win against Donegal. That will need another level than the last day but it can be done..

Looking at the group its nearly certain Donegal cannot top the group so they are playing for 2nd or 3rd spot - does it really matter to them where they finish i.e. a win for us means a lot more but no jeopardy at all for Donegal so they'll have the PQF on their minds. This has to be a great opportunity for us

If we cannot make a preliminary quarter final the discussion of 2026 management take s on a new dianamic. Let's not get ahead of ourselves here. Rochford has been the head coach for 3 years. Mcstay the manager.. whats the difference in roles. Slightly baffled however we must support them as we take on a massive challenge in two weeks. It's all on the donegal match. Everything is on the line.

Stephen Rochford is a good man in every way that matters. That I know.
So why was Stephen Rochford pacing the sideline v Tyrone looking for all the world like a young Bernie Madoff.
Furthermore with the instantly recognizable tousled bush of grey hair under the baseball cap he criminally masterminded one of the great heists of modern times when he cut the investment grade of Tyrone down a notch,burning all the Mayo short bets,and in the process he persuaded everyone that investing long in Mayo again was definitely not a Ponzi scheme.

Yeah right !

Shifting assets around,introducing you to exciting new prospects you never heard of before with”unbelievable potential”Rochford was mesmerizing in his mastery and presentation.He’s a wizard they whispered.

Since when do Mayo hold the ball up successfully until the buzzer in both halves and get 1-1 from that ?

We’ve all seen this movie before but,like the Godfather,or Titanic, knowing the outcome doesn’t stop you wanting to relive it. Or slightly different versions of it.It’s compelling in a way that is not entirely explained with words. It’s certainly not rational.

Because it is life!

It is oxygen and food and drink and passion.And,inevitably,like all sport,it is loss.As Mayo people we’ll take it,as long as we get to feel the rarefied air of hope. For a little while.

As sentimental investors,the Mayo’s are perceived as all heart on the sleeve and an easy mark.We are all that !And we are willing dupes for the cause,to the point of credulousness.

And yet! What’s the point of being alive,if you’re not going to”live”a little.
Why wouldn’t you believe in youth like that?

When our team plays like they did against Tyrone it gives you a hope that seems rational.Even solid,rational people are beginning to wonder about Mayo’s prospects. Again!

31 other counties are holding their hands up to their eyes for the “obvious car crash “they see coming.

But will it come?

Who cares if it does. We’ve been there before. Many times.It’s Life,and as in life It’s the getting up off the floor that matters.

That,that right there ??,we do with a swagger,repeatedly.

If you are defined by what you do,then Mayo people are the ones who pick themselves off the floor and get on with it.Battered down stock? “Mayo4Sam”

Paddy Durcan’s words at the motm presentation”We focused on the stuff that doesn’t take a lot of skill” This is the equivalent of betting on an index linked ETF.Solid.Predictable.The right stuff.Mayo investors were impressed at how he didn’t overhype the major secret ingredient in yesterday’s win.

Rochford had been questioned openly in the investment media that his style was too stale,too stodgy,too passé.Like Warren Buffet. Rochford dismissed them with a wave of his hand and a return to basics and the big uglies. Strip mining for loose,dirty ball.Big energy bets.And of course steel.The stuff we know all too well and which has brought us whatever success we have had. So far.

Those who bet on Mayo at 100/1 last week are now looking like geniuses.
But…
“Past performance is no guarantee of future success” Thus goes the disclaimer warning against insane bets.Mayo people- please-above all -read this statement over and over.

But Stephen Rochford is not a man you bet against.Never.Ever.With two weeks to come up with a new presentation I’d tip him to best anyone.

To life and madness!

We are Mayo.

@thedarkyfinn
Not sure that's right about donegal, isn't there a possibility they could be eliminated still, they have to go for win, top spot wouldbe there for them too if cavan won. All 4 teams can finish bottom or top as far as i can tell. It's going to be a helter skelter final day

So much for all those people crying about a lack of jeopardy, stakes cudnt be higher

@tsudhonim.i hadn't put much thought into cavan beating Tyrone next game and yeah i suppose we do need the right result there to top the group even with a win against Donegal. It's amazing that if we're going well and winning we be hoping for Tyrone to beat cavan and if we losing we will be hoping for cavan to beat Tyrone. Headfrying stuff.

Supermac - I'm treating Tyrone as a banker to beat Cavan therefore Donegal have no chance of topping the group even if they win

Great writing, Food4thought! And I’m with you in those sentiments.
It’s insane madness believing again in Mayo but I do and I will over the next two weeks and against Donegal.
And I kind of agree with you - I’d be hesitant to bet against Rochford.
But that’s all in the future - let’s enjoy the next two weeks, not lose the run of ourselves and, most importantly, mind ourselves. I really stress the latter. Let’s have fun! We can do this!

How about the Gaelic grounds in Limerick for the Mayo v Donegal game ?

Food for thought. One swallow never made a summer. However martin carney rattled management live on midwest. I believe it was a massive moment in championship 25. Never had a broadcaster been so vocal and it resonates through the whole country. Independent had it next day. Everything changed in omagh. Intensity. Subs on time. Ball going in. In fact I believe the biggest mistake made that night was by malachy o rourke. Not producing Peter harte at half time.

Excellent Food for Thought. Literally food for thought!!
I’m with Swallow Swoops. Hope our ‘Swallow’s’ positivity makes for the summer.

I feel the old familiar buzz of something stirring and that is enough hope for me right now. I’m enjoying the aftermath of Saturday. Although was a little furry/hairy/tired yesterday after the exaltations of Saturday’s match.
It’s nice to be still in it after all the doom. Let’s keep the momentum going. Think of Mattie congratulating Carney in that first half for putting his body on the line. Hold onto that snapshot.

Absolutely sinead. We can beat anyone playing the mayo way
I've never ever doubted our players. Dublin had 17 wides yesterday. Won't blame dessie for that but the 3 infringement s were embarrassing. If any team turns up like we did against cavan they will be beaten. No matter who they are. It's some group. We beat donegal. Cavan beats Tyrone. Cavan tops the group. I think donegal would go out on the head to head with Tyrone

James Fleming.are you doing a martin Walsh .what would be your thinking in suggesting limerick

@Food4thought.

One vodka and tomato juice is a bloody Mary and if you have the tomato juice with 2 vodkas it's bloody fantastic.

Your post is bloody fantastic.

Supervalu pairc ui Chaoimh while we're at it.

I heard ruislip for the donegal match

Just a little bookkeeping comment.
I know that we didn't do any POTM after the Cavan, for completely understandable and just reasons.

I think we can be pretty confident about the outcome of that poll would have been a win for Stephen, and since the POTM polls are the primary determining factor for the POTY, I'd hope that, unlike everything else about the game, Stephen's efforts aren't forgotten about at the end of the year.

#WeAllDreamOfATeamOfStevieCs
#WeAllDreamOfATeamPaddyDs

@James Fleming: No chance.

Even a game that might be likely to be played in Limerick, like Cork/Roscommon, is very unlikely to be played there when Limerick will have a home QF in the Tailteann that weekend (along with Kildare, Fermanagh and Wicklow). HQ will mix the games/income they bring around a bit.

Both Carrick & the Hyde likely to get one (recent redevelopment work and makeup of the CCCC large contributing factors), so ends up a coin toss between Clones (more likely Derry/Dublin imho), the Hyde & Carrick (imagine they'll avoid that as Donegal fans are travelling well and a chance it might end up capping the attendance too low) for me.

Breffni would be likely for a game, but almost certainly not our game given Cavan/Tyrone will have to be throwing in at the same time given how the group is setup.

Could you imagine if we lost the run of ourselves lads?
All that excitement and giddiness about the place.
Sun shining and the green and red glistening on the backs of the sheep.
Painting the shed feeling like putting up the Christmas tree.
Getting a viral Up Mayo from any poor sod visiting our majestic county and beyond. (they love it by the way! It makes their day special)

There have been so many challenges thrown at us in recent years; and maybe life feels a lot more serious.
But football doesn't have to be one of those things, and Mayo have never been, and hopefully never will be, more than three pints* away from an All Ireland.

#BringBackTheBandWagon

* Not a typo; an alcoholic beverage.
(Maybe Revellino is the blogs Paddy D)

If we had it in Ruislip we could wait over until the summer of 2026 as we all know what will be happening then

Sinéad37 - hurray! Onwards and upwards we go!

Like Sinéad, I’m seeing a lot of ‘one swallow never made a summer’ comments.
I call my friend ‘Swallowtail’ into this too.
I can assure you there are lots of swallows swooping and sailing on the wind where I am right now. There are also some nestling up in alcoves.

It’s June - it’s the top of the year. Swallows are in their element and they’ll be on the Mayo team in two weeks’ time. One of them is called Davitt Neary, another Aido, another Enda Hession, another balletic one Bob Tuohy, and a grizzly older one, Stephen Rochford. I pray they’ll be swooping and diving and getting in and out of small spaces with style.
Now is their time.

Swallow swoops. I have to say that did tickle me. Hats off to that one ?. Is it looking like breffni or Hyde park ?

Craggy Boglands - teehee. I’d say the swallows are nesting in the crags in the boglands too and are having great fun flying about away from sight of all.

Sinéad37, that snapshot you mentioned says a lot.

Craggy, on the question if it will be Breffni Park or the Hyde, I honestly don’t know. Something tells me it will be neither as either gives an advantage to Donegal or Mayo.
Could it be Clones or Sligo? I suppose either of those gives an advantage to one side too.
Newbridge?

I presume Cavan (and indeed Omagh) is out as a venue for the final round as their game will be on at the same time as ours. Would be hard to steward McHale Park for a neutral game if we were playing a do-or-die match elsewhere at the same time I'm guessing?

It can’t be Sligo as the pitch is being redone there at the minute but the capacity of Markievicz is too low in any event.

Sounds like the Hyde to me. All other viable options look booked out and Carrick may be too small.
If we play with serious intensity we’ve no reason to fear Donegal. I think we’ve another few % in the tank there too.
It’s do or die territory. Donegal probably survive if we beat them, we don’t if we lose because of head to head. A draw gets both through because even a draw in the other game suits us and them on points difference. But as I said before winning the group is massive for chances of reaching SF because of the fixture squeeze, flips a 50 50 QF to 70 30 or better (75 25 last 2 seasons). We should totally go full blooded for the win and bag an extra week of recovery.

When I heard Rochford speak of us needing a 'mix' of strategies on Saturday,
my heart lifted.
The over & back possession stuff is necessary on occasions to control the play.
It needs to be mixed with old fashioned stuff like Touhy's attempt at a point
that ended up being a goal for us through a defensive error.
Everything doesn't have to be planned or perfect, put the ball in dangerous places
and sometimes you're given gifts, you just need to be ready to pounce.
Then we need a few maverick characters like Neary, Dawson, Hession, & dare I say it Conroy
to run directly at the sticks & at the heart of the opposition defence.
My heart lifted further when I heard Rochford say he was empowering our players
to make these decisions themselves on the hoof.
This is the Mayo way.
Organised chaos is the Mayo way & gets the supporters involved.
And the Mayo way can be successful.
We don't have to copy anyone.
Believe in our own power.

Thanks for that info re. Markievicz Park in Sligo, Willie Joe. That’s that ruled out it out for our game versus Donegal so.

I would urge a sense of calm after our victory against Tyrone in an Ive seen this film before and I didnt like the ending type of way. Remember in 21 we finally beat Dublin but flopped against Dublin in the final. In effect Donegal could be our Final this year we need to park Saturday and fully concentrate Donegal in fact we need to play even better that the Tyrone game to win or draw or else we are out. If we can play consistently like we did on Saturday we'd be hard to beat but can we play like that consistently?

I love this, Joey, and I totally agree.

I hope we play like this and I also hope S Rochford has a few tricks up his sleeve. We’ll need these aces.

The one thing I’m wary of a bit, and it can be fixed by anticipating and planning for it, is teams strangling our chaos, preventing it by policing their arcs with numbers, slowing the game down to a funeral pace, or getting ahead of us and us not able to break the logjam. As to the latter, Cavan did that.
We need marksmen - and I mean gutsy, accurate ones - to raid for two pointer scores in those cases and get us out of jail. Teams playing against us will try to hamper us - please God we spend a bit of time nailing our accuracy of long range scoring under pressure. Like so much else, we haven’t seen a lot of it over the last few months, but we definitely have it in our locker. In one game in the last twelve months, we were shooting loads of two pointers from multiple players. I can’t recall which game but I remarked upon it at the time, and I had my mouth open ‘gawking’ at it in wonder.
Let’s take the ‘mix of strategies’ that Joey describes, and that we have developed, out of the bag and use them in these big games.

I think it was the Connacht final?

Thanks, Sinéad37. There was one further back too - I think early in the League. And one last year as well. But they were well spaced out.

We couldn’t have been shooting two pointers last year

Joey. There was a complete change in mind set after Carneygate. Coen wouldn't have it when interviewed by o hora. He's part of the party faithful. Similar needed the next day and much more. Then we will talk about swallow s nesting and resting.

The next day I'd start Dylan Thornton and hopefully Diarmuid O'Connor, and maybe Eoin. Definitely keep Davitt and Jordan in reserve. Give Jimmy something else to think about.

Any reason why it isn’t called Man of the Match?

Well done Paddy and all the team.
Mayo are a much better team driving forward and we need a similar display against Donegal. It was great to get the win and give the team and supporters a lift. I was elated after the win but as time has gone on the words of the great Merle Haggard song "the bottle let me down" comes to mind. I am getting more annoyed by the minute thinking despite what the vast majority of fans and pundits were saying it took us until Saturday to change our style. Had Mgt been less stubborn and even changed for the Cavan game we would be sitting pretty now. It is a massive task against Donegal but at least a draw will do.

If we play with the same intensity and drive forward I have no doubt we will beat Donegal. Sure The Hyde now is like home ground to us. Hopefully they can back it up after the great Tyrone win

If it’s The Hyde I really hope the faithful come out in numbers , dubs outnumbering us last year in The Hyde was embarrassing

Was there that day and looking around I thought I was in Croker. Embarrassing alright. Hopefully we can outnumber Donegal 2 to 1 and get behind the boys

Leinster playing in Croker on 14 June.

Well done Paddy. There were many good performances on Saturday. However no two pointers scored. Tailteann cup teams are kicking them with regularity but not us. This will cost us.

1985, I see what you mean. You are right that last year we didn't have the new rules that give two points for long distance points.

What I was thinking about was actually shooting and scoring points from distance. I registered Mayo doing this in at least one game in the last year. I was very interested in this at the time because (1) it proved we could score from distance and (2) it was a potential way to 'beat the blanket', or pull defenders further out. I thought at the time that if Mayo were able to score at will from distance, defenders had no incentive to go into a mass defence against us. We had been badly suffering from heavy defensive structures used against us.

My point is that I have seen multiple Mayo players in one match scoring from distance. We are able to do it.

Now, with the new rules, we can get two points for long range scores. If we can nail them, it is one way to save ourselves if a team gets ahead of us and decides to slow the game down to negate our chaos.

Good post earlier Moyside about Rochfords decision in 2016. Undeterred he made another huge call in 2017 putting Aido full back v Donaghy. He got slated by it including the headline “Lions led by donkeys” by a certain journalist. But guess who won We beat Kerry, Aido was very good and a frustrated Donaghy got sent off . Anyway that’s all in the past now and we need to look forward, two weeks forward to be precise . Despite our great performance on Saturday that won’t mean a lot v Donegal who have been excellent all year other than their slip v Tyrone in contrast to our relatively poor form all year other than our good performance v Tyrone. We are young and inconsistency plagues young teams and it would be a huge ask to expect us to beat Donegal regardless of the venue. What Saturday did show is that when we can get going we are a match for anyone and that after the month we have had is so uplifting. However the fact of the matter is that anyone of the top 8 teams can beat each other on a given day. On a side note it’s possible that we might fail to get out of group on 2 points while Galway could emerge from their group on 1 point. Now wouldn’t that be sickening

Just reading all the comments here and the trend in them that we will find it extremely difficult to get the desired result against Donegal.
Correct it will be difficult but last week we all thought it would be impossible versus Tyrone and see what happened. Most encouraging aspect of the Tyrone game was how we responded when Tyrone narrowed the gap from 8 points down to one. A collapse could have materialised, but the fact that they didnt buckle and eventually won by 7 is something new for a Mayo side. Timely substitutions had a major bearing on that I suspect. So credit to Rochford for the brave changes both before and during the game.
Point I want to make that yes it will be difficult even more difficult against Donegal but lets be optimistic. What was achieved on Saturday evening can be repeated and indeed improved upon and Donegal though good under McGuiness are not world beaters either. Tyrone proved that on their home soil in Ballybofey only 2 weeks ago.
Whatever mentality They approached Tyrone with should be the same against Donegal. Both essentially were and are knockout games. So lets all get to wherever its played believing they'll do the business. Come on lads. Lets silence those who are always saying there's one good game in us each year. Lets have 2 good performances which will open up the chance for 3 or even more good perfirmances down the line. Ye are good enough. Were good enough with last ten years. Now is no different. Go for it as someone said with the spirit of a wild red limousine in the cattle crush!!! That'll beat Donegal .

Mucke in relation to your comment that Rockfords decision to play Heneally in goal instead of Clarke in replay " cost Mayo and All Ireland " I couldn't disagree with you more..
I firmly believe Clarke had a much greater physical presence better shot stopper safer under high ball than Heneally...
The decision to replace Clarke was both brave and the correct call in my opinion..
David's obvious weakness was his poor Shorter and handpicked out. Heneally was much longer ,quicker and better trajectory...
Do you think JimGavin had legislated for such a scenario as what unfolded??
No more than the rest of us ..NO
The only error of judgement Rockford made was not to allow his sub keeper play with his club during the Intercounty chship..
Robbie came into the replay cold so was not as prepared as much as he should as a consequence...
Had he not conceded the penalty and been black carded who knows the outcome could have been different.
Rockfords bravery and logic was not rewarded unfortunately
I don't think he has progressed as a Coach / Managerial intervening years but to hold a grudge again him for what would ha e be dubbed a masterstroke took some balls...( No pun intended)
Is unfair,unreasonable and without foundation

When since 2012 have we ever being afraid of Donegal?! I can’t remember them beating us in league or championship since? (It was their choice to put a weaker team out last day of the league.) I could have a selective memory of course. We normally have had their number. Go out and aim to beat them even with the messiah back and the return of his main protégé. Donegal are no greatest team of all time. Yet anyway!

We are not without hope against Donegal. Looking back at their game against Tyrone they had only 1 starting forward in Ciaran Thompson who scored from play. McBrearty came on and scored a two pointer but it was still only 3 points from play from 10 forwards used.

Of Donegals 0-20 total they were indebted to Langan who contributed 0-07 and although he was scoreless from play Murphy scored 0-08 which included 3 2 point frees.

We'll need to bring our 'A' game but we have more than a punchers chance

We have beaten Donegal 3 times in championship since 2012 .beaten them 3 times in the league with 2 wins for them and 4 draws at a quick scan so generally not a lot between them

Revellino,thank you. If I ever take up drinking then imma have one of those.

Swallow swoops..Im with u ).
My daughter met an senior player after the game in Tyrone who thanked her for travelling up, he noted the small support.
I know it is understandable why so few travelled but it was worth every weary mile.
Hopefully Mayo people can travel to the Donegal game & support the cause.
Hoping also Kevin recovery was boosted by the performance & result.

Thanks Swallow Swoops and Sinead37.
Here’s hoping a big crowd make it to McHale Park.

Looked back at it just now.

A few things I really liked: Jack Carney putting his head in, diving on a ball, and being pummelled by Mattie for his effort; Colm ‘s take down of what looked like a certain Tyrone point; Sean Morahan’s frequent and timely interventions.

And a few I didn’t: frequent telegraphing our intentions to kick or pass - Tyrone are shit hot at dealing with this; giving away a two pointer for mouthing at the ref; attempting a two pointer into that tricky wind in the second half when a tap back was the obvious ploy.

Surprised Hession wasn’t farther up the poll. Excellent again especially in the 1st half. Very consistently high standard year for him.

We been blessed in Mayo having leader, men, and fine footballers over last 30 years. Paddy, easily fit into these categories. Really missed him over last year. Hopefully can win against donegal, won't be easy. Be a crying shame, if that Cavan result comes back and bite us

It's not irrational to assume Tyrone had Cavan earmarked as their "gimme" result in this group, however arrogant it might seem. I still think they'll get a win despite their "flat" performance versus Mayo. We need only concern ourselves with replicating that level of endeavour plus a bit more when Donegal come to wherever the capos in HQ dictate. It's more than possible Mayo can win but a huge performance is required. They certainly won't be looking forward to playing the green and red.

I’m going to win the euromillions tonight and buy thousands of tickets , then give them out for free so we have a decent support there . If free tickets doesn’t do the trick , I’ll add an ice cream on the day .if I dont win the euromillions I’m afraid I might not be able to go ahead with this plan but I think I will win tonight

Apart from being a great footballer, Paddy brings an energy, intensity and focus which made a difference in the game against Tyrone. Great to see him back in the squad, lets hope his return is not too late to turn this around as we still have a massive season defining game in less than two weeks. We have some great developers in the team but will need people like Paddy, Aidan and Stephen to provide the leadership in the next challenge.

While you're at it Sean can you buy out Ticketmaster as well please and fire the crew that's there and start anew.... they'll never have your thousands of tickets processed in time otherwise .

Murphy and Langan have been huge scoring contributors for Donegal, if these 2 and Gallen are minded along with the McBrearty introduction that will go along way to beating them. Mayo will need to move it up a level or 2 for this one but it can be done..

No bother two hops will get the ball rolling tomorrow morning .

Murphy is a massive player and am sure everyone is in agreement on that but if there’s one area Rochford has a decent return in is nullifying star men . What’s the craic with d Mchugh , diarmuid ? I’ll not even ask about Tommy

We will be big underdogs again going into this match . That suits us though . Can we back it up again v Donegsl not sure but we are well able to beat them if we play like we did v Tyrone.

I hope it's in the Hyde that's fair for both teams and would be a good atmosphere . I can still see it heading to croker though .

We'll need to play with the same level of energy that we did against Tyrone plus kick 4 or 5 x 2 pointers imo.
Donegal will match our energy levels so I think it will come down to intensity and scoring accuracy on the day.
Will Rochy encourage the lads to take on the outside shots or not is questionable...
If they don't go over they definitely need to go dead as the Donegal counter attack is lightning quick,so there's a gamble involved.
Also I think having a big lad parked close to their keeper at all times will cause nervousness in there , especially if Patton is not back but even Patton could still be having sleepless nights about Aido charging at him.
A lot will need to go right on the day, but it's great to have our fate still in our own hands..

I wonder if Cavan were minding themselves a bit to have a right go at Tyrone.

I think if we were able to beat Donegal and if somehow Cavan were able to stay with Tyrone and get a draw (a big if) then Donegal are gone.

I think Tyrone will have way to much for Cavan and that is why I'm intrigued at how Jimmy will approach our game knowing in all likelihood they are in the PQF's i.e. going all out to beat us versus sending out the B team gives him the same result if that makes sense.

Also talking to a few people over the weekend there seems to be mixed opinions on how Armagh will approach the Galway game. To me its a no brainer McGeeney rests his first 15 and gives the extended squad a run out...avoid injuries and give some playing time to others

I think there's gonna be rugby in croker on the 14th. So no double headers that weekend if Leinster progress.

2 hops. We saw in multiple games over this past weekend the folly of going for two pointers just for the sake of it. You just turnover possession. If you have the right player in the right position by all means take the effort but if not you are better of working the point opportunity. What we saw the last day represents a much more fruitful opportunity for us I believe. We opened up that space for runners by letting Tyrone believe we would kick in long and then actually executed it on occasion. Once Tyrone got their defence set we put 3 into the full forward line and because we used the option this opened space for runners around the arc. That and our savage hunger for turnovers won us the game.
If we can show the same hunger versus Donegal we have a chance. With the runners from deep I hope we can equally pull Donegal out of position facilitating that space. Has to be precise though as Donegal are equally hungry in the tackle. Avoid blind alleys, have runners at pace of the shoulder and if we attract Donegal defenders to the arc be prepared to hit them inside. AOS done it against them before. Would be great to have Tommy as a threat on run also, that way he could be alternated with Neary but alas a forlorn hope I think.

The thing about Michael Murphy is they do have a tendency to ask too much of him, it's incredible really how they are deferring to him again to do everything, kick 8 or 9 points, defend, win kickouts. I actually think that dependence on him is hindering them somewhat, definitely the likes of gallen/mcbrearty/niall o donnell were motoring much better last year when the attacking burden was shared.

I think donegal were a better side last year, also they are strictly zonal in their defence so they will give you plenty of chances. They are very good at defending 2 pointers but are giving up lots of goal chances in behind at the cost of it.

Pattons availability will be a huge deciding factor in this game

Assuming Tyrone beat Cavan, then even if Donegal beat us, Donegal can't top the group on head to head.
Assuming Tyrone beat Cavan, then we can top group the group if we beat Donegal.

However, what if Donegal / Mayo just settle for a draw and share the points?. We both still qualify and don't knock the hell out of each other in the process. I'd be happy with that at this stage and see where the next game takes us.

InExile what you appear to be advocating for there is match fixing lol

Donegal have to go for a win, because while tyrone be strong favourites against cavan it's absolutely not a banker, cavan have it in them to rise up on occasion and take a scalp (which we should be all too aware of)

...but yeah as to your wider point just getting out of the group is key, would very likely be able to handle whatever comes out if groups 2&3 in the pQf

Though who am I kidding, it's going to be Mayo v Galway again in the pQf isn't it

I think it's a great opportunity to play our 20s/development squad and prepare for next year

Any word of the venue for the Mayo v Donegal game yet

Don’t think we can meet Galway in the PQF as we’ve already played them Supermac.

@James no. As you likely know already the Examiner has it that the Hyde is under consideration

Obviously no daft shots @Paul B, but not to be turning down the opportunities when they arise. To put another way,I think Donegal will shoot their usual 4 or 5 x2 pointers and I think we'll have to match that to stay in touch and then a big push to get us over the line.
Of course if we manage to bag a goal or 2 that would ease our task a bit.

@2 hops: Enda McGearty put together some fantastic work around average 2 pointers per game in the Championship to date. Obvious caveat in that some sides have only played lower tier opposition while others have only played high tier, but decent to give some insight on how teams are generally attempting to put together their totals.

https://x.com/EndaMcGearty/status/1929298143360757928

Monaghan 4.66
Meath 4
Cork 4
Roscommon 3.5
Kerry 3.5
Armagh 3.2
Donegal 3
Down 2.75
Derry 2.66
Galway 2.4
Louth 2.4
Tyrone 2
Clare 2
Cavan 2
Dublin 1.75
Mayo 0.6

Matthew Hurley did something very similar for 2 pointers conceded....
https://x.com/gaelicstatsman/status/1929510285863244176

Cavan (0.67)
Derry (1.67)
Louth (2)
Mayo (2)
Monaghan (2.33)
Galway (2.6)
Donegal (2.67)
Cork (2.75)
Tyrone (3)
Down (3.25)
Roscommon (3.25)
Armagh (3.4)
Meath (3.5)
Kerry (3.5)
Clare (3.5)
Dublin (3.75)

Thanks TDN, good analysis ...I suppose it is screwed a bit when taking strong wind advantage into account...few if any kicked into strong wind ,but you would imagine wind wouldn't/shouldn't be as much of a factor from here in.

Any White smoke yet from the cccccccc
Appalling really.
If I say anything about it on here, will more than likely get kicked off.

Congrats to Paddy and Jack. making team of the week and Paddy being nominated for player of the week. Get voting tomorrow everyone!

Cant believe people think we will beat Donegal and Cavan will beat Tyrone.Wont happen.Yes some pride was restored but the nonsense against Cavan will haunt us.
I believe only new management will change our outcomes next year.
It has been a bad year and one performance is all too typical.

@Padraig O Neill ok :

We have every chance of beating Donegal .

Yes they will be favourites but they are to reliant on Michael Murphy .

If we bring the same energy and just throw off the shackles and just go for it we will beat them .

Still going mayo by 3 or so .

McCarron and Beggan are excellent 2 point shooters for Monaghan. Interesting that the Sunday Game panellists reckon Galway have become a bit obsessed with looking for 2 pointers. Having said that their last goal v Derry came as a result of a / pointer dropping short. Re the venue v Donegal I reckon the Ulster men would like Breffni Park, while I’d say our preference would be The Hyde. If it’s in either of those venues one county will be disappointed. Will the GAA look elsewhere for venue

The Hyde Sunday week 4 pm

The Hyde confirmed for Sunday week at 4pm by a couple of journalists.

John Fogarty seems to have the scoop there.
https://x.com/JohnFogartyIrl/status/1929913604939161978

Have to be happy with the Hyde

Will tickets go on general sale for it? Through
Gaa.ie as usual? I'd say it'll be packed out.

Pullhard - can’t see a big mayo crowd, why would people who wouldn’t support them last Saturday support them next week. I know it wasn’t easy with very young children but that’s a small percentage of those who waited away.

It'll be a full house. Serious game with added jeopardy.

@Just a thought

Because of the 7.00pm timing mostly . A ridiculous time for people to travel back home from Omagh .

A percentage were also probably still very deflated after the Cavan game which is totally fair enough .

I'd say there will be lots of green & red there to support the guys in what is literally a knock out match .

I agree with @Pullhard it'll be packed out .

Any chance of Gough reffing our match?!

Durcan = Legend

I would have been one of the people thinking it will be great to get Paddy back but we can't expect too much from him after playing no competitive football for a full year...
And then he slots back in like he was never away, remarkable really. What an effort he must have made to get himself physically and, mentally up to that level again.
Great interview afterwards as well... with Paddy in the mix ,it potentially changes the whole trajectory of our season imo.
I think his teammates will be more inclined to burst a gut when they see the efforts outa Paddy.