Mayo won. Andy Moran won his first competitive game as manager against Galway. The final score read 3-18 to 2-18 in Pearse Stadium.

Those are the facts.

But the real story people were curious to hear from Sunday is what type of Mayo team would show up.

The travelling support will have been encouraged to see a team that looked a lot different to the Mayo we watched last year, most of the time.

The lateral handpassing that drove supporters demented was binned. A slower, more conservative build up that allowed teams to set up defensively has gone with it.

In its place is a Mayo team that want to move the ball forward with a lot more purpose and pace.

The footpass was king. Quick ball into the full forward line. Direct running. Players looking to attack space instead of working it sideways. And not afraid to take risks.

It was an exciting game all round and both teams set up to endorse that.

THE EVIDENCE

THIS columnist was fully focused on how Mayo would approach their offense early on and the numbers suggest positive intentions going forward.

Robbie Hennelly's two-pointer in the opening minutes came after a quick ball inside to Aidan O’Shea. Ryan O'Donoghue pointed not long after to put Mayo 0-4 to 0-1 up – again, a quick pass inside. No messing.

Darragh Beirne's excellent turnover and direct ball inside........

© The Mayo News