Ryan O'Donoghue says Mayo supporters behind team after loss to Roscommon

Mayo forward Ryan O'Donoghue denied suggestions that Mayo supporters have not got behind the team after a low attendance in their defeat to Roscommon.

Just over 15,000 attended the Connacht semi-final at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, with the rise in ticket prices to €35 in the stand a talking point in the lead-up to the game.

Mayo fans voiced their concerns with their defeat, as empty seats were clear to see in the 2-25 to 1-18 defeat to their rivals, as their search for a first Connacht title since 2021 goes on.

In a setback for Andy Moran's side, Belmullet man O'Donoghue denied suggestions there is a disconnect between the team and fans.

"No, I don't think so, I think Andy has done great things since he's come in and all that stuff with the tickets this week, I don't know if that's the reason why there's only 15,000 there.

"The Mayo supporters have travelled the length and breadth of the country over the last decade. I was a part of it myself from 2012 onwards, so we appreciate all the support and the hard work of the fans travelling the length and breadth of the country to follow us."

After an encouraging start, Roscommon's accuracy and determination at the kick-out became crucial as they took control of the game.

The end of the first half and beginning of the second saw Roscommon claw back and take the lead, which Mayo could not recover from.

Moran said after the game, Roscommon wanted it more, as O'Donoghue admitted Mayo need to look at their tactical and mental approach to the game.

"I think we were good in the first half and then just the third quarter after half-time just never seemed to get to the pitch of the game in the second half, just lost the kick-out battle, lost the ground battle, and we just weren't