Mayo came back from eight points down at half-time to take the lead before All-Ireland title-holders Armagh found a way back to secure a 1-17 apiece draw.
Kevin McStay's side could have even come away with the spoils if goalkeeper Colm Reape’s effort hadn’t gone wide in the game's last attack.
However, man of the match from today’s game, Ryan O’Donoghue, who scored six points for the Connacht men, wasn’t too downbeat about not going home with the two points when he spoke to TG4 after the game.
“We weren't happy with our first half,” O’Donoghue said.
"The shooting conversation rate wasn’t good enough, and our shot selection rate was, but we showed heart and determination at the end. Reape had the last d we shot at the end, and we could have won it. But look, we will take a point up here in Armagh and look forward to Kerry next weekend.
The new rules are exciting, but we had much to work on after our first two games. We went back to the drawing board and worked hard during the break. Although last week wasn’t too pretty to watch, we controlled it well compared to the first two games. I suppose tonight was a bit helter-skelter, a bit more how we like it. It will be a tough game against Kerry next week, but we will build to that during the week.
I wouldn’t say so. No, I wouldn’t say that at all. We weren’t happy with the first two league games ourselves, especially the Galway game, how it played out. We will take a lot of positives from today, and we need to do better next week again.”
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O’Donoghue was full of praise for Davitt Neary, the debutant on the Mayo scene this year. Neary scored a sublime goal to help spark the comeback in the second half comparing the newcomer to current Young Footballer Of The Year Oisín Conaty.
🚨GOAL🚨
Davitt Neary smashes it in for @MayoGAA who are right back in it 💥#GAANOW #AllianzLeagues pic.twitter.com/LKolnYgIkP— The GAA (@officialgaa) February 22, 2025
The Breaffy man has never played underage for Mayo and has provided McStay's team with a jolt of life this season. He was named Man of the Match in Mayo's league opener against Dublin and has maintained his sparkling form throughout the league campaign.
“That’s what he has been since he came into the panel this year,” O’Donoghue said.
It was a brilliant finish he took on his man. The way he scored his point against Tyrone last week, he’s a breath of fresh air since he came in. I don’t think he played for Mayo at all coming through the ranks. He put his head down and had a great year with Breaffy last year. That’s what we need. He and Jordo are two workhorses on the wings.
He plays free, which sometimes goes against your control, but you also need those individuals in your team. I think Oisín Conaty does the same for Armagh, and you can see what he did last year.
Davitt is doing well, and we need that from everyone else.”
There was loads of praise for Neary on social media.
Davitt Neary has been some find for Mayo. 1-7 from play in four games. Took his goal sublimely tonight. His points have come from his incredible acceleration across five yards and willingness to run at defenders. Defensive work (ball watching etc) needs improving but very fixable pic.twitter.com/NdJNXVsdZ8
— Edwin McGreal (@edmcgreal) February 22, 2025
Davitt neary #BALLER #RISINGBALLERS
— “ (@futurasfree) February 22, 2025
The result doesn’t suit either side, as relegation looks a real threat for both. Their only wins of the campaign have come against Tyrone so far.
