The age profile of their squad would suggest they are at the start of something rather than at the end and they will grow further for this win

As I watched back TV coverage of the Kerry and Tyrone semi-final, the camera panned to Mayo’s James Horan and Ciarán McDonald quietly conferring in the Hogan Stand. It took me back to 2014.

Any conspiracy theories around the Covid situation are completely irrelevant and of no interest to me. Kerry would have prepared for the best version of Tyrone and that is certainly what they got

Based on their early season form Kerry were installed as All-Ireland favourites, even when Dublin were still alive in the championship. I am sure the management have kept things on an even keel and the players are well aware of the pitfalls, but this idle talk can be fatal

Dublin’s conditioning has been one of their greatest strengths but they were out on their feet early Saturday. They longed for a period of possession to take the sting out of the match but Mayo, to their immense credit, wouldn’t allow it.

For Mayo to have any chance they will need to perform as they did in the second half of the Connacht final for the entire contest

Peter Keane and his brains trust may elect to mix Kerry's approach

When the Cork players and management eventually get the stomach to review the game they will wonder how they only scored two points in the second and final quarter and none in the third

Proving someone wrong or disproving a perception while being successful is extremely satisfying. The beauty of it is there is no need to try and justify yourself as the silverware and the performances speak for themselves.

Donegal’s championship credentials were well and truly tested in Ballybofey, in what was the best game of the football championship to date.