"Mayo will want a game of ping-pong, not a game of chess"

July 02, 2026

Mayo's Kobe McDonald celebrates at the final whistle against Cork ©INPHO/James Crombie

Former Offaly sharpshooter Nigel Dunne believes Mayo will “want it to be gung-ho” when they meet Louth in the All-Ireland senior football championship semi-finals on Saturday week.

Andy Moran’s side booked their place in the last four with a 0-23 to 0-18 victory over Cork last weekend at Croke Park, where the winners’ full-forward line combined for 0-19 of their tally.

Speaking on RTÉ GAA podcast this week, Dunne reckons that the Westerners’ style of football could end up playing into their Leinster opponents’ hands.

"Mayo will want a game of ping-pong, not a game of chess. And Louth know that and they can set the terms of engagement," he said.

"If it turns into a game of phased attacks, I think they could be in trouble. They lack patience, they want it to be gung-ho.

"They historically have and this team is no different.

"They got good bang for their buck out of their full-forward line at the weekend. They got 0-13 from play, whereas Cork only got three or four.

"It's high risk but when it goes well, the rewards can be brilliant. I'm not saying they can't beat Louth - of course they can. I just have a sneaky feeling for Louth and I'm not quite sure why."


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