Mayo stormed into their first All-Ireland SFC final since 2019 with a commanding 17-point victory over Louth at Croke Park. The westerners' three goals all stemmed from forced turnovers, while their defence smothered the Wee County's attack throughout. Manager Andy Moran acknowledged the progress but insisted his squad remains a work in progress.

The win showcased Moran's blend of youth and experience. Kobe McDonald provided attacking spark, while 19-year-old Eoin McGreal logged 55 minutes in his Croke Park debut. Veterans Ryan O'Donoghue, Enda Hession, Jack Coyne, and Donnacha McHugh anchored the spine. After a Connacht semi-final loss to Roscommon, Mayo have sharpened with each All-Ireland outing.

They now await the winner of Sunday's Kerry-Dublin semi-final for a shot at Sam Maguire on July 28. The Kingdom or the Dubs will present a far sterner test than Louth, demanding greater composure under pressure and sharper execution in tight exchanges.

Moran's honesty about unfinished business is the right tone. Mayo's defensive intensity and turnover creation are genuine weapons, but championship finals are decided by margins. If their young core handles the occasion and their leaders deliver big moments, the 73-year wait could end. If not, the gap to the elite remains exposed.