1. Mayo make a 2015 statement
Aside from a reasonable test in Salthill, we hadn’t learned much about Mayo this summer and their waltz past Sligo in the Connacht final was far from strenuous. Yesterday finally offered a proper examination of their credentials in the Connelly-Holmes era and they rose to the challenge magnificently.
Since the 2012 September loss, they have now exacted revenge against Donegal twice in a championship setting. It was a productive evening’s work for Mayo as they successfully road tested a robust figure in attack (Aidan O’Shea) and at the back (Barry Moran).
The game offered evidence of a greater tactical awareness and a more compact defensive unit. A bunch of key Mayo players are hitting full speed as the last four beckons – Lee Keegan, the O’Shea’s and Keith Higgins – while Tom Parsons and Jason Doherty are emerging as influential forces.
2. Tyrone’s consistency under Mickey Harte
The finale to yesterday’s curtain-raiser was chaotic, spiteful and unsavoury. The plethora of cards that Marty Duffy was forced to brandish painted neither team in a positive light. But the bad-tempered nature should not obscure the legitimacy of Tyrone’s victory and the continuation of their remarkable progress under Mickey Harte.
Yesterday was the 10th time in 13 seasons that Harte has steered Tyrone to the quarter-final stage and now they will be part of the last four for the sixth time. It’s a testament to Harte’s management that he has transformed their fortunes.
He’s modelled a new team and guided them to a point that many observers would have felt was out of reach when they departed Ballybofey a defeated bunch last May.
3. Donegal reach the end of the road
Donegal found it beyond them to defeat Connacht opposition in Croke Park for a second successive Saturday night. Mayo were more resilient and streetwise than Galway, capable of dictating the terms of engagement. Donegal couldn’t handle them and bowed out at the last eight juncture.
It felt like a defeat that ended not only their 2015 involvement but also the era this current Donegal team have enjoyed. Since 2011 they have journeyed far each summer and have racked up plenty miles on the clock.
Rory Kavanagh was the only player to bow out last winter. It will be interesting to see whether there are departures over the next few months as players consider about committing to the regime once more.
4. Monaghan hit a Croke Park roadblock again
Last year’s qualifier win over Kildare was Monaghan’s first championship win at Croke Park since 1930. They lost out in their next assignment against Dublin and yesterday found that headquarters continues to be an unforgiving setting for them.
It was an incredibly disappointing defeat against Tyrone. Within their squad, there was a keen desire to build on their Ulster success this year and prove they deserved to belong in any conversation about the national elite.
Instead they could not replicate the high standards they set against Donegal. They couldn’t get Conor McManus into the game with sufficient regularity and looked devoid of other ideas to break down Tyrone.
Two Ulster crowns in three years is a super achievement but for this group not reaching an All-Ireland semi-final will nag at them.
5. Renewal of a dramatic rivalry in semi-final
As a duo Kerry and Tyrone shaped a decade in football terms. The protagonists have changed since Tyrone had a Croke Park hex over Kerry and the landscape has shifted as well since Kerry’s landmark win in the 2012 qualifier in Killarney.
The next instalment looms in a fortnight. Kerry will be favourites in a season that sees them two games away from retaining Sam. But Tyrone lurking in the opposite corner will make them wary and their presence gives this semi-final an extra layer of intrigue.
6. Dublin have plenty to consider before 30 August
Finally after a summer of wailing that Dublin are not getting properly challenged, we now know they have a proper challenge looming ahead. Mayo will give Jim Gavin plenty to consider between now and 30 August.
A powerful midfield pairing in Seamus O’Shea and Tom Parsons will ask questions of Dublin in that sector. How Dublin handle Aidan O’Shea, if he’s stationed at the edge of the square, will be fascinating.
Dublin have not put a foot wrong this year and will have ample reason to be confident of advancing. But they’ll be required to work hard to book a September final date.
