On Sunday, Mayo suffered yet another detour in their search for a first All-Ireland title since 1951. The question as to whether they will be back on the road as an All-Ireland contender next year is one which has been asked innumerable times this week.
As their contender status looked in question at many points this year, Andy Moran was a player who stepped up to kick some crucial scores. It was a career great season for Moran.
By the time the All-Star awards come around in November, he will have turned 34. Remarkably, Moran currently finds himself a close second favourite behind James McCarthy to be named Footballer of the Year. It's an incredible achievement for a player whose role in recent years looked to be simply an impact sub.
Speaking on Second Captains this week, former Mayo footballer John Casey told of the defiant attitude which has been a major factor in Moran's career renaissance.
Following a 10-minute cameo appearance from Moran in Mayo's 2015 All-Ireland quarter-final win against Donegal, Casey met the forward outside Croke Park.
The suggestion has his future role was for Mayo was to be nothing more than 20 minutes off the bench was one which Moran railed against.
Andy Moran, I could tell you a funny story. I met Andy two years ago outside Croke Park and he'd been brought on as a sub in the All-Ireland quarter-final against Donegal, I think it was.
I said to him, 'You know, Andy, your game is an impact sub now.'
He turned around and said, 'Would you shut up? You sound just like Holmes.
I had to laugh. He said a little bit more than shut up if you know what I mean. He said to me you sound just like Pat Holmes and Noel Connelly who were managers at the time.
Testament to what that guy gives. He's joint-favourite or very close to being player of the year. He's had a marvellous year.
Two years ago, Moran opened a gym in Castlebar. His former manager James Horan - and many others - have cited it as a factor in the unexpected ascent of his career.
Picture credit: Sportsfile
