Having been speculated upon during the week as a possible solution to Kieran Donaghy's aerial presence, Stephen Rochford's Mayo actually did use Aidan O'Shea as in a tight, man-marking role.
Offsetting any potential impact O'Shea could have in the Kerry half of the field (beyond the throw-in for both halves), the sight of Mayo's own 'Star' chasing after Donaghy took some getting used to.
With Joe Brolly claiming post-match that the 'magnificent' Donaghy saved Kerry today, Rochford was forced to address this contentious decision in his post-match conference.
Stephen Rochford on putting Aidan O'Shea to full-back #KERvMAY pic.twitter.com/n6DchpGd5u
— The GAA (@officialgaa) August 20, 2017
With his 'physical presence' and being one of Mayo's 'best tacklers', Rochford sought to remind the gathered journalists that O'Shea had played in this role before. Akin to O'Shea's Donegal counterpart Michael Murphy who has jointly featured in his side's full-back and full-forward line, whether O'Shea's effectiveness in the former is worth comprising his impact in the latter is still debatable.
The bulk of the commentary and analysis preceding this long-awaited semi-final focused on Donaghy and the impact his aerial presence may have on Mayo's back-line. It is clear now that it was a threat Rochford took seriously.
As the build up to next Saturday's replay begins, the question as to whether Rochford will adopt a similar tactic again shall surely dominate.
Opinions will continue to be divided one feels.
No one has better basketball skills on Mayo team than O'Shea. Him detailing Donaghy isn't that mad. #GAA
— John Fogarty (@JohnFogartyIrl) August 20, 2017
If Mayo lose this game they can blame their manager. Donaghy wreaking havoc all game and still he's being marked by Aidan O'Shea.
— David McIntyre (@DaveMcIntyreIRL) August 20, 2017
