All-Ireland SFC: Mayo outclass Donegal in Croke Park quarter-final clash

In that time he has lost just once, however John McEntee is predicting Monaghan may have the upper hand on this occasion.

And with Peter Harte a creative midfield catalyst, Sean Cavanagh deploying his experience and craft perhaps rather more robustly than usual and Mark Bradley gaining in maturity, the O’Neill County have acquired a spring in their step that could yet take them into unimagined territory.

On Saturday I watched a game while feeling embarrassed by the behaviour of some of the most talented players in the country. “They’re into goading and they’re into antagonising the opposition”, said Wooly.

Tyrone are in good form and despite losing a few players mid-season they have regrouped and they will not fear anyone. “But certainly he young players have shown great determination in terms of going to win the games which mattered”. Coming up to half-time and then just after the break, we managed to get a couple of important scores which kept the gap, especially because Monaghan always had the threat of a goal.

Three points early in the second half from McCurry and McAliskey were described as “crucial” by Mickey Harte after the game and it was hard to argue with him, as they gave Tyrone a five point cushion. Harte guided Tyrone to their last two All-Ireland titles, in 2008 and 2005, in both cases beating Kerry: they also beat Kerry in the 2003 All-Ireland semi-final.

Odds: Mayo 4/5, Donegal 7/5 and 15/2 the draw.

The game was marred by several skirmishes in the closing moments though remained ahead where it counted with great points from Mattie Donnelly to keep them comfortable in control.

From accusations of cynical play in an U21 All-Ireland decider against Tipperary to claims of sledging in a minor match against Donegal – among others – it’s not the first time Tyrone has been caught up in controversial headlines this year.

The game ended in chaotic scenes with dismissals for Monaghan duo Darren Hughes and Paul Finlay while Tyrone full-back Ronan McNamee also walked to the line for his second yellow card.

It is a game to look forward too and should ensure the first full house at headquarters this year.

The biggest area Tyrone have improved upon during the year is the speed and directness of their running game.

Monaghan tried desperately to get back into contention but the closest they got was three points and couldn’t find the net to ignite their challenge.

This defeat will hurt Monaghan more than any other over the last few seasons and with some of the older players probably calling it a day they will have to come back next year with a new injection of youth.

Darren McCurry and Connor McAliskey led the scoring with 11 points between them but it was the ultimate team performance as the Red Hands’ counter attacking strategy paid of handsomely. It was a productive evening’s work for Mayo as they successfully road tested a robust figure in attack (Aidan O’Shea) and at the back (Barry Moran).