We're dreaming of a green and red Christmas

TYNAN'S TAKE: COLUMN BY STUART TYNAN

WELL, that was much more comfortable than any of us expected.

We do tend not to get as carried away as much now as we used to when Mayo reach these stages. We were all preparing, myself included, for Tipperary pushing Mayo all the way. The previous two encounters were tough battles so we didn't expect anything different.

The opening ten minutes suggested our worst nightmares could possibly happen. Tipperary's danger men, Conor Sweeney and Michael Quinlavan, both had massive goal opportunities coming from the high ball inside but fortunately for Mayo, they never capitalised. Or, more accurately, David Clarke came to Mayo's rescue.

But after that? Well, once Mayo got to grips with Tipperary's game plan, I don't think Mayo have ever had it that easy in an All-Ireland semi-final as far as a game being a contest. This game was over and done with before half-time.

Yes, you could point to the fact that Tipperary did themselves no favours, in particular with Cillian O'Connor's third goal, and they have learned the harshest of lessons at this level. But in terms of class, intensity and physicality, Mayo were on a different plane to the Premier County.

At the forefront of this was O'Connor, who enjoyed his finest hour at Croke Park, and in a Mayo shirt full stop. The only downside was there was no supporters at HQ to witness it. It'll be a performance that will be remembered for years to come.

Elsewhere, Tommy Conroy, Oisin Mullin and Eoghan McLaughlin look like they have being playing at Croker all their lives while the partnership of Matthew Ruane and Conor Loftus in the middle of the park continues to blossom.

There will be some concerns following the second half, as Mayo conceded another two goals. The game was done and Horan had emptied the bench at that point, although the manner of the goals remain disappointing. If the Dublin are afforded those type of opportunities, the final will be done before we even realise it.

So the Dubs await on Saturday week. Not many outside the county will give the Green and Red a prayer. That's fair enough. Despite the emphatic win over Tipperary, this Dublin team look like they're from another planet. They are chasing an unprecedented six-in-a-row and have navigated the championship so far with no fuss.

But could Mayo finally win their first All-Ireland since 1951? Why not. It's been a very strange year, after all.

*You can read Stuart's full column every Tuesday in our print edition.