I haven’t always looked forward to Mayo games in recent years, but Sunday’s clash with Galway had me genuinely excited.

Maybe it was the sense of a new mood around the county, the optimism in conversations with friends back home, or simply the presence of Andy Moran.

Having played alongside him, I knew the spark he would bring to the team. From the first whistle, that energy was clear.

What struck me most was the intensity Mayo brought to the game. For a National League opener in January, the tempo and fitness levels were clear.

It wasn’t just about running hard: it was about purposeful, high-speed, attacking football from the outset.

Galway tried to match it as best they could, but Mayo’s pace, urgency, and willingness to attack space made them look a step ahead.

SHARP AND DELIBERATE

Mayo’s energy didn’t just appear in moments of open play. Even when Galway packed their defence, the ball circulation from Mayo was rapid, urgent, and intelligent.

In past years, Mayo might have slowed play, passing safely, waiting for openings.

You didn’t see that on Sunday. The passes looked sharp, and the movement looked deliberate. The result was scoring opportunities that exploited the smallest gaps, and a few quick........

© The Mayo News