While they would have been disappointed with the way they were knocked out of provincial competition, there was a sense that Mayo got their championship season underway with their victory over Kerry at the weekend.
Kevin McStay's side were hugely impressive in the fixture in Killarney, handing the hosts their first championship defeat in that stadium since 1995. They were very strong at the back, while their transitions into attack were breathtaking at times. Were it not for the heroics of Kerry goalkeeper Shane Ryan, the margin of victory could have been a much larger one.
Many people will now be discussing Mayo's All-Ireland prospects. They were the best team in the country during the league, and while their loss to Roscommon in the Connacht championship was a disappointing one, they now seem to be back on track.
However, some feel they still have a bit to prove before they can be considered among the favourites to lift the Sam Maguire.
Peter Canavan has questions about Mayo's All-Ireland credentials
There is no doubt that Mayo are trending in the right direction, although there are still a number of other teams who will be in the running during the business end of the All-Ireland series.
Speaking on RTÉ's Game On, Tyrone legend Peter Canavan said that despite Saturday's result, he would wonder about their chances of winning an All-Ireland this summer.
I'm not convinced yet. If Mayo were to play Galway in an All-Ireland final, I think Galway would win it.
Now, Mayo were very impressive absolutely and a lot of people questioned them after their defeat in Connacht, and my god they came back with some answer.
Kerry were very impressive in the Munster final against Clare but Mayo scored 1-19 and they left a bit behind them too.
So for a team that hadn't played any competitive football in six weeks, it was a very impressive performance.
And yes, of course, they've put themselves back in the reckoning. But just like maybe a lot of people felt that when Mayo were beaten in Connacht, a lot of people were writing them off, a few people are saying a few things now about Kerry that they're gone and whatnot, likewise I just wouldn't be too quick to write them off.
I think (Kerry) will certainly learn from this defeat. It will motivate them. I have no doubt Jack O'Connor will find it easier speaking to these boys now moving forward.
And likewise if Kerry and Mayo were to play in an All-Ireland final semi-final in Croke Park or an All-Ireland final, you'd find that Kerry probably would be going into that game as favourites.
As Canavan points out, things could quickly change if Mayo replicate this level of performance on a consistent basis moving forward.
The victory over Kerry will give them plenty of belief should they meet some of the other big hitters a bit later in the competition.
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