Mayo into inquest mode after Dubs recover 2010s mojo

The inquest in Mayo has been unsparing since Sunday afternoon.

As we reach the business end of what's been touted as the most open championship in years, the traditional twosome are coming to the fore again.

Watching the Dublin-Mayo game unfold from our perch in the corner of the Davin Stand sparked unpleasant memories of the 2019 semi-final.

At half-time, we were speculating about whether Brian Fenton, Paul Mannion, James McCarthy would be able to turn it on - in the second half, we got a fairly definitive answer.

It's been said Mayo pushed the self-destruct button - and to some extent that's true - but that results from the pressure and the ruthlessness of Dublin in those moments.

They put the foot on the throat and don't let up. When faced with that pressure, the wave of attacks coming at you, it can be difficult for players to think straight and then mistakes happen, which are quickly punished.

Before you know it, the game is over. I felt for the players, I have to say. You're in Croke Park, there's 20 minutes left to play out with no realistic hope of salvaging things.

The Hill are jeering you, the Dublin players are in your face. It's just an uncomfortable situation. You keep plugging away but deep down, you want the game to be over. It's not a pretty place to be.

For Mayo, the perennial failing of conceding preventable goals at crucial junctures reared its head again. It's cost us so often over the years.

In the first half, things are going really well, and then Dublin get a goal off a straightforward lump-ball from Davey Byrne. Colm Basquel turns and slips it home. The second goal results from Sam Callinan possibly trying to be too cute, rather than booting it out of play. Basquel palms it home - another palmed goal