Éamonn Fitzmaurice: is familiarity starting to breed contempt between these heavyweight neighbours?

The Mayo and Galway rivalry at the moment reminds me a bit of Kerry's relationship with Cork in the noughties.

PAT ON THE BACK: Mayo manager Kevin McStay congratulates Paul Towey. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

This was a hugely physical and intense contest between two heavyweights with lofty ambitions for the upcoming championships. At times the quality may have dropped during the contest but the ambition by both sides to win was clear. It was always going to be a good one to win. 

Diarmuid O’Connor, in particular in the first half, was the embodiment of this desire as he drove forward, covered back to help with sweeping duties and got two huge block downs. As the game went on there was a bit of an undercurrent to proceedings.