Mayo demolish Louth 3-23 to 0-15, reach first All-Ireland final since 2021

Rampant Mayo overwhelm Louth

Mayo swept aside Louth with a performance of calm dominance, winning 3-23 to 0-15 to book their ninth All-Ireland final appearance this century. From the moment Darragh Beirne bundled in the opening goal inside 15 minutes, the Connacht side controlled the tempo. By half-time they led 2-09 to 0-11, and the second half turned into a procession as Louth were pinned in their own half and strangled on their own kickout.

We're not the finished article, so when the likes of young McGreal and these boys can play 55 minutes at 19 years of age in Croke Park, it makes a big difference.

O'Donoghue's 1-11 tour de force

Ryan O'Donoghue produced the finest display of his inter-county career, finishing with 1-11 including three two-point frees. He opened the scoring with a low shot past goalkeeper Niall McDonnell in the fifth minute and never loosened his grip, dictating the rhythm of Mayo's attack and forcing three goal chances for substitute Tommy Conroy that could have swollen the margin further. The Belmullet man's leadership drew praise from manager Andy Moran, who singled out O'Donoghue alongside defensive pillars Enda Hession, Jack Coyne and Donnacha McHugh.

Louth's 28-minute drought proves fatal

Louth had first use of a strong breeze but wasted it, converting only two of six two-point attempts. Craig Lennon's departure with a serious knee injury in the 23rd minute compounded their problems, and they would not score again until the 56th minute, a 28-minute spell that spanned half-time. By then Mayo had added 2-7 without reply, Conor Loftus finishing from close range after another driving Conroy run to make it 3-16 to 0-11. Ciarán Downey's point broke the famine, but the margin continued to grow, reaching 17 points at the hooter.

Moran's blend of youth and experience

In his first season as manager, Andy Moran has stitched together a side that has improved with every outing since a Connacht semi-final loss to Roscommon. Teenagers Eoin McGreal and Kobe McDonald combined with veterans like O'Donoghue and Loftus, the latter kicking a second-half point and the former adding three points after the break. Moran described his defenders as "addicted to playing football" and insisted there is more to come before the 26 July decider.

What lies ahead

Mayo will face either Kerry or Dublin in the final, with that second semi-final set for Sunday afternoon. The county's last All-Ireland title came in 1951, and the eight final losses since 2000 have forged a reputation for heartbreak. With a team built on the run and a growing belief, Moran's outfit will carry the hopes of a county desperate to end that wait.