It was inevitable that Dublin's run as All-Ireland champions would end at some point. Nothing can go on forever, even if this machine from the capital did look to have a grip on the Sam Maguire that would last for some time.
Mayo would end that run on Saturday evening, producing a stunning performance to earn the victory in extra-time.
There was a sense of shock that Dublin's incredible streak had come to an end, even if there had been some hints over the course of the last few months that they were no longer the force they once were. Their victories in Leinster had become a bit less routine, while it seemed that they had not quite replaced some of the stellar talents that had stepped away from the panel over the last couple of years.
Could off-field distractions also have played a part? Éamonn Fitzmaurice believes so.
Writing in his column for the Irish Examiner, the former Kerry manager said that some of the things Dublin have dealt with off the pitch, such as the covid training breach and the Stephen Cluxton situation, certainly didn't do them any favours in their quest for a seventh consecutive All-Ireland title.
What I was surprised by though was some of the normally impeccable management of their off-field distractions. I think this is something Dessie Farrell will look at when he reviews the season.
The Covid breach was a serious own goal and was plain wrong, the Cluxton saga dragged and dragged, and some of their dealings in the media, normally so stage-managed, amazed me.
Philly McMahon spoke in the build-up to the game about needing to consult with management about whether or not to travel to Greece with Bohs for their Europa Conference qualifier match. Surely that would have been an in-house discussion weeks in advance?
Kevin McManamon was in Tokyo with the boxing team and mentioned in an interview over there that he would see if he could try to break into the squad when he got back. After missing the entire championship did he really expect to get into the squad so easily?
Their sideline was chaotic at times during the second half and during extra time on Saturday. In fairness to Farrell, he was quite calm, but there was a lot going on. The media manager, Seamus McCormack, was prominent and seemed to be involved in a lot of discussions. Is that his brief?
Over the course of the summer, many of the Dublin players seemed to have a louder and more prominent presence on social media than before. Had they taken their eye off the ball? Had profile become more important than performance? It is human and natural, and they have been phenomenal to maintain their standards for so long with such success.
You can read the column in full here.
In 2021 Dublin certainly did not look like the well-oiled machine we have become so used to seeing over the last decade, both on and off the field.
There is little doubt they will continue to challenge for All-Irelands in the years ahead, but the aura of invincibility around the team is no longer what it once was.
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