Defiant Mayo bounce back as only they can with dominant win over Tyrone
You didn't think they would go and do it again, did you? Not this time. The green and red couldn't spread themselves this far after a week like that in a season like this.
Let us introduce you once more to the magical legend that is Mayo.
Tyrone were stunned in this All-Ireland SFC Group 1 clash by a dominant away side.
Mayo captain Paddy Durcan was to the fore in an awesome display and finished with three points. They held a star-studded attack to 1-6 from play.
Davitt Neary was outstanding off the bench, bringing an enormous dose of bedlam as required.
The winners were a team that arrived after a devastating Connacht final loss and a shocking defeat at home against Cavan.
It was also a week that saw their manager forced to step back for the immediate future and a remarkable county board meeting that included curious details about the living quarters of senior players. Put simply, the vibes were bad.
Tyrone's realm was the antithesis.
Malachy O'Rourke's side recently secured a statement victory over Donegal. This week's U20 triumph was the latest flex by an underage production line that is the envy of the country. But, crucially, they were playing Mayo.
Since when have they ever followed the script? So what if the win still leaves them needing a result against Donegal? Madness is hardwired into their makeup.
As the lights flickered on in Healy Park and young patrons flooded the pitch for their half-time kickabout, Mayo led 1-9 to 0-4 and were full value for every point. The goal was fortunate, no doubt.
A multi-minute countdown to the hooter eventually finished with a Bob Tuohy dropping shot. Niall Morgan failed to deal with it and Darren McHale took advantage. Cue a lashing.
As soon as the whistle sounded, O'Rourke called his team into a huddle on the field and let them have it.
It was the start that the visitors sorely needed; chaos.
Mayo's Stephen Rochford celebrates a late score. Pic: James Crombie/Inpho
A turnover followed by a turnover followed by a turnover followed by a Mark Bradley wide. Michael McKernan eventually kicked Tyrone off the mark but they were unable to score again until the 19th minute and only mustered eight shots in the entire half.
Stephen Rochford had a plan. The anticipated swatch of late changes meant Sean Morohan came in to tackle Mark Bradley with Jack Coyne taking Darragh Canavan and Enda Hession on Darren McCurry. Paddy Durcan brought a much-needed burst to the half-back line; Conal Dawson and Bob Tuohy injected a degree of athleticism as half-forwards.
Rory Brickenden was freed up from inside defensive duties and got forward for two early points. They kicked long to Jack Carney inside, earning a free for Ryan O'Donoghue.
Jack Carney watched as Paddy Durcan's shot was blocked down and leapt on the break for a second tap over kick. David McBrien hounded Conn Kilpatrick as part of an immense defensive effort.
Tyrone's second-half response duly arrived in the form of a right-foot dance by Canavan who soloed through and slotted past Colm Reape. Midway through the second half, the margin was just one as Niall Morgan boomed over a two-point free.
Enter Neary. He turned over a short kickout for a Durcan score. He won a free for O'Donoghue. He dived on Shea O'Hare's boot for a stand-rousing block. Finally, the Breaffy man surged and forced Liam Gray into a foul for a penalty.
As the clock ticked down and the home support wilted away, 34-year-old Aidan O'Shea continued to power around the field. He hit their second-last point. Corner-back Coyne came forward to help the score difference even more. Surprised? Why?
This is what they do.
Scorers for Tyrone: D. Canavan 1-3 (2 frees); N. Morgan 0-4 (2 tpf); D. McCurry 0-2 (1 free); M. Donnelly, B. McDonnell, M. McKernan, K. McGeary 0-1 each.
Scorers for Mayo: R. O'Donoghue 1-6 (1-0 pen, 0-5 frees); D. McHale 1-0; P. Durcan 0-3; R. Brickenden 0-2; C. Dawson 0-2; A. O'Shea, C. Reape (45) J. Carney, J. Coyne 0-1 each.
Tyrone: N. Morgan; C. Quinn, P. Teague, N. Devlin; M. McKernan, R. Brennan, K. McGeary; B. McDonnell, C. Kilpatrick; S. O'Donnell, M. Donnelly, C. Daly; D. McCurry, M. Bradley, D. Canavan.
Subs: S. O'Hare for O'Donnell, L. Gray for Brennan (both half-time); P. Harte for Bradley, R. Canavan for Daly (both 47); A. Donaghy for McDonnell (61).
Mayo: C. Reape; J. Coyne, S. Morahan, E. Hession; R. Brickenden, S. Coen, P. Durcan; D. McBrien, M. Ruane; C. Dawson, D. McHale, B. Tuohy; J. Carney, A. O'Shea, R. O'Donoghue.
Subs: D. Neary for McHale, J. Flynn for Tuohy (both 52); F. Kelly for Dawson (55); F. Boland for Ruane (64), S. Callinan for Durcan (67).
Referee: D. Coldrick (Meath).
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