Replying To Viking66: "The debate was whether there were any genuine contenders in Football apart from Kerry. Just reaching an AI Final to play Kerry therefore doesn't make you an AI contender unless you contend in that final."
Mayo proved they were genuine contenders! Absolutely delighted for them!!!!!!!!!!!!
Replying To legendzxix: "As I've said before, a lot of people have short memories. Only a few weeks ago Donegal, Dublin, Galway and Armagh were the favourites to make the semi finals. Tyrone were probably the next favourites to make the semi finals. These five will probably start 2026 as the strong favourites. Pundits worth their salt won't be selecting the 2025 champions as favourites. Lessons have been learned after Armagh were knocked out at the quarter final stage. Respect for opponents is important. Before Roscommon visited Killarney, I said it was all about what they would bring as challengers. I think that was accepted as fair comment. Some people were scoffing at me for predicting that Cavan would cause Mayo problems. Low and behold, Cavan delivered. Finally, I was in the minority who wasn't surprised by the Tullamore result. Meath's good form was evident."
As I was saying last year. Respect for opposition is important. I didn't Tyrone got the respect they deserved before the quarters. It was a similar case in the build up to the final. There seems to be an incredible rush to write some teams off.