It started with a bang.
Mayo and Armagh's do or die clash in MacHale Park kicked off with a thundering opener as both sides exchanged well-worked goals in the opening minutes.
Armagh's young gun Rian O'Neill kicked off proceedings with a palmed goal and trademark celebration.
Some smart passing leads to an early goal for Rian O'Neill of @Armagh_GAA pic.twitter.com/Ut8tTEJKqf
— The GAA (@officialgaa) June 29, 2019
With Castlebar rocking and Mayo in need of a response, inside forward Andy Moran got on the ball and fired a beautiful pass across to Fionn McDonagh who smashed the ball through Blaine Hughes legs.
An instant response from Fionn McDonagh of @MayoGAA What a start to the game! pic.twitter.com/ibUN7zoe00
— The GAA (@officialgaa) June 29, 2019
It was precisely what Mayo needed.
Speaking on Sky Sports, sideline reporter Senan Connell said that the Armagh management were unhappy with the decision to award a free to Mayo in the build-up to the goal. Nevertheless, it stood and the game was alive.
