Job done for Mayo against the Lake County, but only just
TYNAN'S TAKE BY STUART TYNAN
A recurring theme with Mayo over the past number of years is making hard work of opponents that, on paper, they really should be putting away comfortably.
The irritating habit reared its ugly head again in Mullingar as Mayo just got over the line against a resilient Westmeath side.
Firstly, full credit to the Leinster outfit, who were unfortunate not to get a result against Meath the previous week. Jack Cooney’s side came with a game plan to stifle the visitors and let the class of the likes of John Heslin and Luke Loughlin kick in.
It almost paid off, with the sides only separated by a point going into second-half injury time. Were it not for some crucial saves in the second half by Robbie Hennelly, this result may have been very different.
Yet, it must be said Mayo did themselves no favours. Debutant Ben Doyle was caught ball-watching for Westmeath’s opening goal and was seemingly targeted by the Westmeath full-forward line before he was substituted at half-time. A rough introduction to senior level for the young Westport man, but one that he should come out much better for.
Overall, Mayo’s trademark intensity was sorely lacking in a disappointing first half, while the likes of Tommy Conroy and Cillian O’Connor struggled to make an impact during play.
On a positive note, excellent scores from the likes of Matthew Ruane, second only to Paddy Durcan in terms of Mayo’s best performers on the day, Eoghan McLaughlin and Conor Loftus kept Mayo to within a point of the home side.
As mentioned, Paddy Durcan was in inspired form, especially during the second half. With the captain’s armband once again, he exemplified leadership on the pitch in driving Mayo on with some brilliant points. Mayo’s experience came to the fore in the second half as substitutes Kevin McLoughlin and Colm Boyle turned the tide, while Cillian O’Connor was flawless from frees and also kicked an outstanding point from play towards the end just when it looked like Westmeath were going to nick a draw.
It continues to puzzle as to why Mayo make life difficult for themselves in games like this. It’s great for television but frustrating for the supporters.
Up next it's Meath in Castlebar. Mayo’s place in the Division 2 semi-finals may be secure, but an improved performance would be welcome before the business end of the league season commences.
BACK WITH A BANG
Not often enough, never by enough.
Anytime a Mayo side beats Galway is a good day. When you’ve played 20 minutes of the game with 14 players, are six points down with 15 minutes remaining, and kick two frees in the final minute to secure the win, it is even sweeter.
Michael Moyles’ start to life as ladies football manager could not have gone any better as Mayo, boosted by the return of Fiona McHale and the Carnacon contingent, dispatched of the old enemy in Castlebar.
But every player played their part in a thrilling a win. The post-Leahy era is off to the best possible start and with the likes of Sarah Rowe still to return, Mayo look in very good shape for the coming months ahead.
To top it all off, the Mayo camogie side made it a thrilling three from three with a historic win over Kildare in Tooreen. A Super Saturday indeed!
*You can read Stuart's full column every Tuesday in our print edition.