Not much that Horan can take from a stroll against Meath
TYNAN'S TAKE BY STUART TYNAN
THE weather was the main talking point as one arrived into Elverys MacHale Park on Sunday. You could not have asked for a better day for a game of football for Mayo’s final group game encounter against Meath.
That the conditions for the match were the primary point of conversation probably tells you how much importance this game really had. Both teams were already in the semi-finals and if Mayo manager James Horan and Meath boss Andy McEntee got through this game with no injuries to any of their first-choice starters, they would be happy out.
So, it was a chance to see some fringe players get some minutes in what will be a condensed season once more, with the All-Ireland championships a straight knockout competition for the second year running.
Meath took the idea of giving fringe players a chance a bit too seriously and made eight changes to their starting line-up. It certainly raised a few eyebrows in the press box, accompanied by a few choice words I cannot print.
Mayo manager James Horan was rightly called out last week for making seven changes to his his team, and Andy McEntee should get the same treatment from media and supporters. It’s disrespectful, unfair and downright confusing to fans who are following their team and relying on the media to get them the latest updates, especially as they are not allowed to attend games.
Yes, a change may be necessary due to a late injury. But eight? It is unacceptable and it is something the GAA needs to crack down on, and fast.
I’m over 250 words in and I haven’t begun to discuss the game yet, which tells its own story. Mayo, in terms of physicality and ability, were well ahead of their opponents. Once James Carr buried home his second goal (the highlight of the game) just before half-time, it was all over.
The Ardagh man deserves a special mention. He is clearly a confidence player. He kicked two early wides but once he scored his first goal, he came alive for the remainder of the first half. He scored an excellent point from the right and added a second goal, and Carr can be a big impact sub for Horan come championship time.
Elsewhere, Cillian O’Connor was his ruthless self, Bryan Walsh combined well with the O’Connors throughout while Matthew Ruane was impressive once more in midfield.
The only negative for Mayo (well, more confusing than bad) was putting Aghamore’s Fergal Boland at half-back. It is a waste of the east Mayo man’s talents, which are further up the field.
Clare await in the Division 2 semi-finals and Mayo will return to Division 1 at the first time of asking should they beat the Banner men. If they produce the level of performance that we know they are capable of, Mayo will have too much for the Munster team.
*You can read Stuart's full column every Tuesday in our print edition.