Are Mayo Back? McStay’s Men need to maintain recent momentum.

After Mayo’s sub-par and worrying display against Connacht rivals Galway on February 2nd which saw their rivals run out easy 0-16 – 0-26 winners in McHale Park, many Mayo fans must have been wondering what the rest of 2025 was going to hold for Kevin McStay’s men. That loss to Galway was their second in succession after an opening round defeat to Dublin in Croke Park, but it was the way Galway took care of Mayo that had Mayo fans worried for what was to come in the rest of the National League. They appeared to be struggling with the new rules that have been introduced this year, particularly in that Galway defeat. It looked like they couldn’t cope with Galway’s ability to kick two pointers from outside the new scoring arc.

After that defeat, many fans felt reserved to the fact that Mayo were going to struggle to stay up in Division 1 this year, with some even wondering if Mayo were going to pick up any points at all, such were the difficulties they appeared to be having to come to terms with the new rules.

Their following game against Tyrone put an end to those fears, however, as they managed to take the win against a Tyrone side that had also been struggling in the League and put two points on the board. Again, though, the manner of the victory and the style of play caused concern as they looked ahead to a tricky couple of games against defending All-Ireland champions Armagh and old rivals Kerry.

The Turnaround?

Even in the hard-fought win over Tyrone, Mayo struggled to bring any excitement to their fans and once more looked like they were not coming to terms with the new rules. Infractions and poor two-pointer attempts were par for the course against Tyrone, but they did show the fight and determination that Mayo sides have been known for over the years to eke out the result at the end and claim a 0-12 – 0-10 win over their northern visitors.

Next up for McStay’s team was the trip to the Athletic Grounds to visit All-Ireland champions Armagh. Trailing 1-10 – 0-5 points at Half-Time, Mayo produced a scintillating second-half performance to nearly grab the two points on offer. Mayo’s second-half renaissance was largely down to the fact that for the first time in the League, Mayo looked like they were playing with the shackles off. They abandoned that rigidity that has been all too evident with Mayo in recent seasons and let loose some of the chaos on which Mayo’s brilliance has been built over the last decade and a half.

Brilliant scores from Stephen Coen, Ryan O’Donoghue and Paul Towey were then supplemented by a goal from the impressive newcomer Davitt Neary. Mayo were buzzing as they played with pace, energy and attacking intent. The only slight negative in the end against Armagh was the inability to hold on to their lead at the end. Armagh came back from two down to tie the match 1-17 – 1-17.

The Excitement Returns

Mayo, fresh from earning three points in two games, then welcomed Kerry to McHale Park in Round 4. Heading into the match, the big question was which Mayo were fans going to see. Was it going to be the Mayo side that laboured against Galway, Tyrone and for 35 minutes against Armagh, or the Mayo side that brought the chaos for the second half against Kieren McGeeney’s team? What happened was the kind of performance that showed the rest of the country what kind of team Mayo have the potential to be heading into this year’s All-Ireland Football Championship.

It was reminiscent of Mayo like it used to be, attacking football, high pressing, a patented second-half wobble followed by a determined and rousing finish. We even had a full-time pitch invasion from the excited McHale Park crowd to suggest that while not fully returned to old levels, fans may be starting to get giddy at what their side can produce. It wasn’t perfect; it never really is with Mayo. They must learn to better deal with opponents’ two-point scoring threats. Kery kicked three two-pointers in the second half, but it at least showed fans and rivals what they can contribute as the season progresses.

Conclusion

Mayo’s high-octane turnaround in their League campaign has been helped by improved performances from the likes of Ryan 0’ Donaghue and Matthew Ruane, as well as the returns of Aidan O’Shea and Jordan Flynn. Newcomer Davitt Neary has also stepped up to the mark, adding thrust to Mayo’s forward line. They end their League season with games against struggling Derry and Donegal, with one more win needed to assure their place in next year’s Division 1.

Building on the momentum they have built over recent weeks must be the focus for Mayo now, as well as further deepening the pool of their squad. Paddy Durcan, Tommy Conroy and Diarmuid O’ Connor have yet to feature so far in 2025, giving Mayo fans even more reasons to be excited after their prevailance of recent weeks. The last few games have shown that a return to boring, methodical football cannot be tolerated, so to the management of the Mayo football team, I say,

Bring on more of the chaos, please. Stay tuned for more weekly sports content.