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Moran feels Mayo still not the ‘finished article’
Mayo manager Andy Moran has said his team are "not the finished article" even after they eased into their first All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final in five years with a commanding 17-point victory over Louth at Croke Park. Moran, who has sought to blend youth and experience this season, praised his side's development but stressed there was more to come, marking a notable turnaround for a county whose supporters have returned in force after a spell away from the latter stages.
Mayo, who had faltered in their Connacht semi-final against Roscommon, improved throughout the All-Ireland campaign, with their semi-final win built on attacking flair and a determination to force turnovers that led to all three of their goals while shutting down Louth. Moran highlighted the contribution of young players such as 19-year-old Eoin McGreal alongside leaders including Ryan O'Donoghue, Enda Hession, Jack Coyne and Donnacha McHugh, and noted that Mayo held their own at kick-outs despite pre-match suggestions Louth would dominate that area. Mayo now await the winners of Sunday's second semi-final between Kerry and Dublin (16:00 BST) as they aim to lift the Sam Maguire.
Explained simply
The All-Ireland Senior Football Championship is Ireland's top Gaelic football competition, held each year with the final being the sport's biggest match. The winning team is awarded the Sam Maguire trophy.
Mayo, a team from Ireland's west, have reached their first All-Ireland final in five years. This represents a significant turnaround for a team whose supporters had stayed away from the latter stages of the competition during recent unsuccessful campaigns.
Manager Andy Moran has overseen improvement this season by building a team that combines young players with experienced leaders. Mayo will face either Kerry or Dublin in the final, depending on the result of Sunday's second semi-final.
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