Kerry relishing date with Mayo's 'internalised memory'

It hasn't always been a rivalry to savour but Kerry v Mayo, whether it's league or championship, has certainly been a notable attraction for over a decade now.

In the noughties, the Kingdom treated the westerners with contempt in two All-Ireland finals. It was hard to watch for green and red followers; a dose of reality. In truth, Mayo were punching above their weight in making those respective deciders.

In 2010, following championship defeats to Sligo and Longford, John O'Mahony's second stint in charge of Mayo came to an end. The search began for a successor. Mayo native and former Dublin and Offaly manager, Tommy Lyons, many thought, would get the gig. In the end, James Horan, on the back of guiding Ballintubber to a county title, was the chosen one.

His first season at the helm saw Mayo regain the Connacht crown and then knock reigning Sam Maguire holders, Cork, out of the championship. Kerry were next up in the All-Ireland semi-final. A nine-point defeat brought an end to Mayo's summer, but the margin of victory flattered Jack O'Connor side, who only pulled away in the last five minutes. Horan's side received more than a few plaudits.

O'Connor told the waiting media afterwards: "There was serious pressure on the ball there today and in fairness to Mayo they were very intense, kept it going for 50 to 60 minutes. And thankfully we pulled away in the last five minutes. I think James Horan has brought a tougher edge to Mayo, certainly. I never saw a Mayo team tackling like that before, in my time anyway."

Since that August day in 2011, Kerry would feel Mayo's intensity on other big days. The Kingdom would reciprocate. A rivalry was born.

24 August 2014: Kerry and 14-man Mayo finished level on 1-16 each in an epic All-Ireland