Football

How Mayo's players rated against Dublin in the All-Ireland semi-final

Dublin's Ciarán Kilkenny and Mayo's Pádraig O'Hora battle it out at Croke Park. Pic Philip Walsh
Dublin's Ciarán Kilkenny and Mayo's Pádraig O'Hora battle it out at Croke Park. Pic Philip Walsh Dublin's Ciarán Kilkenny and Mayo's Pádraig O'Hora battle it out at Croke Park. Pic Philip Walsh

Rob Hennelly: Banished memories of bad days with a nerveless 45 at the death to force extra-time. Kicked two frees as well. Couple of kick-outs went Dublin’s way in first half but otherwise very solid. 7

Padraig O’Hora: A study in concentration. He struggled against Ciaran Kilkenny in the first half but shut him down after the interval. Super-fit and super-committed, he was instrumental in Mayo’s win. 8

Lee Keegan: Grew in stature as the game went on. Sat at full-back in the first half and kept an eye on Con O’Callaghan. More adventurous after half-time and scored a point. 7

Michael Plunkett: Picked up Niall Scully and they cancelled each other out. Few opportunities to impress and subbed after 49 minutes. 5.5

Patrick Durcan: The tip of the Mayo beak-out spear. He was one of the few who matched the Dubs in the first half and maintained his energy and commitment the whole way. Forced turnovers, won frees, brave block on Costello and he used the ball well too. Well played. 8

Stephen Coen: Steady at centre half-back. Tackled hard and calm in possession. A leader on the field, he roused Mayo for their fightback. 6.5

Eoghan McLaughlin: Stretchered off after John Small caught him with a dangerous tackle. Had been energetic up to that point but struggled to shut down Paddy Small in first half. 6

Matthew Ruane: See Star Man

Conor Loftus: Up against James McCarthy and he managed to keep a lid on the Dublin Allstar although he did have a goal chance. Scored a vital point at end of first half to lift his team. Subbed but returned for the finale. 6.5

Diarmuid O’Connor: Got a big left toe to a ball that was going wide and, in a game of fine margins, it turned out to be crucial because McLoughlin scored to back up his effort. Worked hard. 6.5

Kevin McLoughlin: Industrious around midfield where he helped curb the influence of Dublin’s Fenton. One shot wide but landed another from the right wing. 6.5

Darren McHale: Starved of possession in the first half and subbed before the interval. 5

Tommy Conroy: Saved his best for extra-time. Glided up the left wing to level and then left Philly McMahon and Davey Byrne for dead to put Mayo ahead for the first time. 6.5

Aidan O’Shea: Had a nightmare. Two awful wides in the first half – the second from a mark was greeted with mocking cheers by the Hill. Reintroduced late in the day and got a fist to a Dublin 45. 5

Ryan O’Donoghue: Great attitude. He took the fight to Dublin at every opportunity. Landed a pressure mark in first half, hit two from play and some nerveless frees near the end. 8

Subs:

Enda Hession: He’s quick and got in where the boots where flying to win the ball. Shut down influence of Paddy Small. 7

Bryan Walsh: Helped to keep Dublin penned in their own half after he replaced Plunkett and moved to midfield. 6

James Carr: On for the ineffective Aidan O’Shea with 20 minutes to go. Wide with his first touch. 5

Conor O’Shea: Put himself about. Chased down Dublin goalkeeper Comerford who was penalised for over-carrying and then helped force the 45 that levelled the game. 6.5

Jordan Flynn: Dublin couldn’t match his energy and athleticism. Helped to turn the tide when he replaced McLaughlin. 7

Darren Coen: Had the impact his manager would have wanted. Scored a point and helped carry Mayo over the line. 6.5

James Durcan: Not on long enough to be rated.

Brendan Harrison: Not on long enough to be rated.

Star Man

Matthew Ruane

Kept Brian Fenton quiet and was the go-to man for Hennelly kick-outs in the first half when Mayo were under the pump. Kicked Mayo’s first score and his extra-time tackle on Basquel summed up his tireless performance. 8.5