We just wanted a win, says relieved O’Connor

IN the end, it was like watching a middle distance runner kick for home sooner than expected before falling over the line for victory.

When Kerry produced the killer spurt with 15 minutes to go, Mayo were all but choking in their dust. Even John Maughan had given up on patrolling the line in favour of his seat in front of the Hogan Stand.

That it took Mayo every last gasp of breath to get back to within three points at the finish doesn’t matter. When the handshakes were over Kerry had been a far superior side. All it would have taken was one slip up, one slice of luck, or flash of genius and Mayo could have grabbed an undeserved draw.