Another big day out at Croke Park, another heartbreaking defeat. That's just the way things seem to go for Mayo when they travel to the capital.
Not many expected Mayo to threaten Kerry today, but the way in which they limply fell to defeat in the second half was disappointing to say the least. In the end, it was a formality for Kerry, as they ran out comfortable winners by 1-18 to 0-13.
Understandably, Mayo's star players were crushed at the final whistle.
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Lee Keegan and Kevin McLoughlin have been two of Mayo's most loyal servants over the past decade. As can be seen in the photo below, Keegan and McLoughlin shared a touching moment on the field in the immediate aftermath of the game.
Many of Mayo's stars remained on the field for a long time after the final whistle. With thousands filing out of the stadium, Keegan shared a touching moment with his children on the hallowed turf of Croke Park.
It's hard not to feel bad for Keegan. The 2016 Footballer of the year is widely regarded to be one of the greatest footballers to never win a Celtic Cross. The Westport man has put in so many amazing performances at Croker down through the years, but yet again, the Sam Maguire Cup will evade his clutches.
The same can be said for Aidan O'Shea. O'Shea has been Mayo's talisman down through the years and has always tried his heart out for the Mayo cause. The Breaffy star scored a magnificent point in the first half today, but his game petered out along with the entire Mayo team with a tame second half performance. At 30 years of age and with many miles on the clock, are the days of O'Shea battling at Croke Park over.
It wasn't to be for Mayo today as they ran into a Kerry side that were just too good. Maybe Mayo's days at the top table of football are at an end. And if that is the case, let's all remember how they always left it all out on the field, year after year, crushing defeat after crushing defeat.
Add another crushing defeat to the list.
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