Who would have guessed a few weeks back that the league final would end up being another matchup between Mayo and Kerry? The final round of Division 1 was quite a ride, especially for Mayo, who danced between clinching a spot in the league final and dropping to Division 2 right up until the last whistle. The final standings are surprising, with just one point between a finalist and a relegated team, but not totally shocking. Some teams got comfortable after early wins, knowing the league final wasn’t worth pushing too hard for, leading to a tight mid-table race. Mayo Secure Bonus But Kerry Take Win.
The Impact of a Packed Schedule
This strategy isn’t necessarily bad, especially for teams in Ulster and Connacht, where the provincial championships are tough. The real problem is the cramped schedule, which will keep causing these kinds of situations if it’s not dealt with. It’s interesting to note that every team facing relegation in Divisions 1 and 2 won their last game, while the teams that were safe lost. Derry, having already been relegated, had nothing to gain. Mayo Secure Bonus But Kerry Take Win.
Mayo’s Surprising Climb
Despite a negative score difference, Mayo finished at the top of the table, which is pretty rare in football. It’s a win for a team many thought would be going down. After a rough start to the league, Mayo found their groove in Round 3 against Tyrone, winning a lackluster game 0-12 to 0-10. The second half in Armagh was a turning point as they adapted to the new rules. At first, their style was slow and cautious, which led to bad shot choices and turnovers. But since Round 4, they’ve been attacking more directly and pressing hard on the opponent’s kick-outs, especially against Kerry, which has really worked for them. Mayo Secure Bonus But Kerry Take Win.
Key Players and Strategy Changes
Matty Ruane has been fantastic, Ryan O’Donoghue is back in form, and Aidan O’Shea is playing his best football. Frank Irwin has also contributed well in attack. Mayo has done well, but luck has played a part. A missed penalty and a crucial shot hitting the crossbar could have sent them down. Donegal, who seemed uninterested in the league final, still came close to beating them. Mayo Secure Bonus But Kerry Take Win.
Kerry’s Comeback
Kerry enters the final as the favorites based on form and tradition. Not long ago, they seemed stuck after a shaky start to the season, but they’ve now found their stride. Their recent numbers are impressive—scoring 3-24 without scoring a single two-point point and just two wides in 70 minutes. Any worries that the new rules would lower goal-scoring have been put to rest, as they’ve netted 16 goals this league. With quicker, more open play, Kerry’s offense is flourishing.
A History of Showdowns and What’s Ahead
This is the third league final matchup between Kerry and Mayo in seven years. The last two were completely different experiences—Mayo barely beat Kerry in 2019, causing a big celebration, while Kerry dominated a weakened Mayo in 2022, hinting at a challenging season ahead. Whether another national title will be celebrated remains to be seen, especially with Mayo’s upcoming Connacht championship challenge. Two years ago, Roscommon caught them off-guard in Castlebar. This time, they’re up against Sligo, a Division 3 team that ended the league on a high note.
Final Thoughts
Kevin McStay says Mayo will give it their all in the final, but Sligo’s threat is still on the horizon. On the other hand, Kerry has a clearer path, with three weeks until their championship opener. This weekend is their last big test before the next stage, making it even more important to perform well. Jack O’Connor has a knack for winning both league and All-Ireland titles together, and Kerry will be looking to keep that going. Given my luck betting against Mayo this season, maybe I should just stick with it.
