Mayo exited the championship in the most dramatic of circumstances yesterday afternoon, losing out to Derry in a penalty shoot-out in their All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final in Castlebar.
Heading into that fixture, Mayo were viewed as the heavy favourites by many GAA fans. They had produced some decent performances in recent times, having come agonisingly close to beating Dublin last week. In contrast, Derry had suffered a dramatic dip in form since the start of championship.
However, it quickly became apparent that this would be a very tight game.
The two sides would trade scores throughout the contest, although Mayo would find themselves in a position to win the game in the closing moments. They held a one-point lead in injury time, but instead of holding onto the ball, they went in search of another score.
Sam Callninan would fist the ball wide, with Derry going on to get a last gasp equaliser to send the game to extra-time. The Ulster side would go on to win via penalties.
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Joe Brolly gives damning summary of Mayo after loss to Derry
While Mayo lost this game by the tightest of margins, the manner in which they failed to close out the match in normal time was hugely disappointing. That was especially true when you consider that they also gave up a last second equaliser against Dublin the previous week.
Writing in the Irish Independent, Derry man Joe Brolly was quick to point out that this game was the latest example of Mayo's lack of nous in getting over the line on the big occasion.
I was delighted when we got Mayo in the draw. They are the kings of nearly winning.
Last week against Dublin was a perfect snapshot. They only had to hold out for 20 seconds against Dublin and they couldn’t.
Against us, with one minute in injury-time left and Mayo a point up, all they had to do was hold possession. The Dubs or Kerry would have knocked it back to the keeper and played keep ball. Not Mayo.
They attacked forward, cheered on by their supporters, and Sam Callinan fisted the ball wide. After that, their doom was sealed.
A fairly damning assessment. You can read the article in full here.
Kevin McStay and his Mayo side will have plenty of time to reflect on their mistakes over the coming weeks, with the county having suffered an unexpectedly early exit from this summer's championship.
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