In last week’s column, I started by talking about how I hadn’t been looking forward to Mayo games in recent seasons, and how I was genuinely excited heading into the Galway game.

Both the Galway game and the Dublin game have done very little to change that feeling of expectation and adventure.

It has been a brilliant start to the league, and there is no doubt about that. When league fixtures are released, managers tend to view the opening games as a defined block, with clear point targets for the first three games.

Making a strong start is critically important, and from that perspective, Andy Moran could not have asked for more.

Mayo have taken on two high-quality teams, both of whom would traditionally have been considered favourites against them at this time of the year, and emerged with four points.

Whether at home or away, that return represents an outstanding outcome and provides immediate momentum.

Purely in terms of points on the board, Moran deserves an A for his opening two games, and the preparation that led to this position has clearly paid off.

DEFINED ROLES

Looking more closely at the team’s structure, what stands out is the clarity of Moran’s thinking in his selections and roles.

Bob Tuohy has been established at midfield with a defined brief. David McBrien has been influential all over the pitch, contributing energy and scores.

Ryan O’Donoghue has operated in the forward line in a fluid role — at times a scorer, at........

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