We're back again next Saturday.
Wow. Unbelievable. What is it about Kerry and Mayo? 3 years on from the classic semi finals of 2014, they made it a trilogy today with a pulsating 2-14 - 2-14 draw in a wet and dreary Croke Park.
It had everything. Goals. Saves. Amazing performances from. Tactical innovations. And of course, it had Mayo grit, determination, resilience and, of course for Mayo, a last second equaliser from Paddy Durcan.
There was issues too, like some wide open defences, Mayo not able to close the game out when 3 up in the second half, and Kerry not holding on in injury time, but who cares about that right now? The whole country held its collective breathe there for about 25 minutes.
Mayo have drawn a game after 70 minutes for the fourth time in the Championship so far, amazingly. But they are never beaten. For the last five years, they've only been knocked out by the eventual All-Ireland champions, and for the last three years, that has been after a replay. Maybe that's something for Kerry to take solace in tonight.
Kerry V Mayo Reaction:
What a great game. Well done to both teams but I live in hope for the replay. Come on @MayoGAA #MayoKerry #MayoGAA #UPMAYO 💚❤️
— Kevin Kilbane (@kdkilbane77) August 20, 2017
What a game. Well done to Kerry & Mayo for an epic encounter and for both going for it. #KerryVsMayo
— Steven McDonnell (@StevenMcD13) August 20, 2017
I have a bad heart. Thank fuck I'm not from Mayo.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) August 20, 2017
Mayo will have to play 5 million minutes to win this All-Ireland. #milesontheclock
— Shane Stapleton (@ShaneSaint) August 20, 2017
Mayo better side ... mistakes led to the goals .... changes strange also. We go again. #MayoKerry
— Conor.mortimer (😷)⚽️ (@Conmort) August 20, 2017
Draining. Fair result. Super replay next Sat
— Eoin Liston (@EoinListon) August 20, 2017
Another incredible aspect of the game was the performance of Mayo old dog for the hard road, Andy Moran. The 33 year old veteran of 5 All-Ireland Finals had one of his best ever games for Mayo, scoring 1-5, and creating more, to the universal approval of those watching on.
The least Mayo deserved was a draw. Andy Moran is one of the most intelligent footballers we'll ever see. Timing of the run 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼
— Cahair O'Kane (@CahairOKane1) August 20, 2017
Andy Moran is having the game of his life. Jason Doherty is winning a mountain of ball. Mayo need a lot more from the O'Connor's #mayovkerry
— Daithi Carroll (@DaithiC787) August 20, 2017
