Mayo. Where do you begin?
Optimism was typically buoyant amongst Mayo people midafternoon today as they looked forward to their long-anticipated date with the Dubs in Croke Park. The anguish of October 1st was in the rearview and there was legitimate cause for optimism. Mayo were brilliant last week versus Roscommon, Dublin seemed to be starting their second team and maybe, just maybe, Mayo were due a win over the Dubs.
#mayogaa fans' eternal confidence. I'm part of the 84% to be upfront! There's a big circle on this day in the calender for them I'd say pic.twitter.com/bHKbEPnvv4
— Edwin McGreal (@edmcgreal) March 4, 2017
Me thinks the time has come for @MayoGAA to end @DubGAAOfficial s unbelievable unbeaten run. #AllianzLeagues
— John casey (@Johncasey14mayo) March 4, 2017
If only. If only. It finished 1-16 to 0-07 to the home side as Mayo hit their lowest ebb in the Rochford era. The result, from a Mayo perspective, was all too familiar. Mayo were steamrolled by a Dublin team without Connolly, McCaffrey, O'Sullivan, McCarthy, Brogan, Flynn, Andrews and McManamon in the starting XV. Cillian O'Connor had 5 wides, Mayo scored two points in the first half, didn't score from play until the 39th minute and Dublin ended up winning by 12. It was an abject performance from Mayo. Bernard Flynn on RTE said 'it was the first time I saw Mayo give up.'
If Mayo aren't going to start beating Dublin now, well then when the hell is it going to happen?
Hard to think of a worse Mayo display at Croke Park since the 2006 All-Ireland final. #GAA
— Pat Nolan (@pat_nolan) March 4, 2017
Mayo very poor in that first half. Forwards non existent and repeatedly being cut open for goal chances. Very disappointing so far. #mayogaa
— Nodlag O'Neill-Forde (@Mayosupporter) March 4, 2017
This is hard watch from Mayo. Really puts into perspective how bad Roscommon are. @MayoClub51 @RTEgaa @ballsdotie
— John Brennan (@jbrennan713) March 4, 2017
Dublin fans were ecstatic with the result and there is the feeling that Jim Gavin is quietly blooding another wave of talent, with the likes of Na Fianna's Conor McHugh scoring 1-3. The worrying thing for Mayo fans, and indeed all GAA supporters from outside Dublin, is that Dublin are only going to improve.
Well that was particularly sweet. Men against boys. The real Dubs stood up tonight and showed why they're champions and STILL unbeaten!
— AllGAA (@AllGaa_) March 4, 2017
Dean Rock's free taking is just unreal. Even on a dirty wet night. Class act.
— David Duffy (@d_duffer2) March 4, 2017
