Galway's win for Mayo on Sunday was a big one for the county.
While they have had moments of promise in recent years, they have often failed to deliver on the biggest occasion. Going to Castlebar and emerging with a victory was certainly a huge boost for the development of this team, and they will now face into a likely Connacht final against Roscommon full of confidence despite losing to the same opposition in the league decider a few weeks ago.
The defeat was hardly fatal to Mayo's All-Ireland chances either. With some key players short of full fitness, James Horan would have been pleased to see his team battle back late in the contest to get within a point of Padraic Joyce's men.
They will now face a lengthy wait for their next fixture, something Peter Canavan feels could suit them.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Tyrone legend said the six-week gap until their first qualifier will allow James Horan to get his injured players (such as Cillian O'Connor) fully back up to speed. He also thought this was a big win for Galway.
I felt there was a big game in Galway. They have suffered at the hands of Mayo for long enough, having been eliminated from the championship by their rivals in reach of the past three years.
Padraic Joyce's side needed to make a statement, and they did just that.
It was a good time to be catching Mayo, given the injuries in James Horan's squad. Cillian O'Connor probably needed another match under his belt.
Mayo had opportunities, but were not clinical enough...
It was a victory that Galway football badly needed.
As for Mayo, they have a six-week break to get back on the horse before the qualifiers.
And that could suit them. Horan will know they had the chances to win that game. And they have time to get the injured players back on the pitch.
There are a lot of leaders in that dressing room, and they will still have a big say in the championship this summer.
Mayo are certainly still in the the running to win the Sam Maguire this summer, with this year's championship looking like a very open one.
Both of these teams will be among the six or seven contenders, with plenty of football still to be played in the months ahead.
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