Mayo's journey in their quest to win a first All-Ireland since 1951 continues.
Mayo booked their place in the Super 8s by beating neighbours and fiercest rivals Galway.
It was an intense encounter at the LIT Gaelic Grounds in front of a crowd of 19, 138 people, including golfer Shane Lowry who's taking part in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in Lahinch.
Mayo had a dream start with two goals from James Carr inside the first 10 minutes putting them 2-2 to 0-2 up. Galway's defence, which is often their strongest point, was well and truly rattled.
It was the two goals that were the difference at half time. Galway were led out for the second half by captain Damien Comer, returning from injury this evening to make his first Championship appearance of the season.
His leadership and presence on the field were clear to see from the off as the Tribesmen upped their intensity. They were thrown a lifeline early on in the second period when Chris Barrett was judged to have blocked an Ian Burke shot in the square with his foot and they were rewarded a penalty. Corner-back Liam Slike came up to take it but goal-keeper David Clarke sent it wide for a 45'.
Shane Walsh sent it over and Galway continued to chip away at Mayo's lead and the Green and Red went 17 minutes without a score. The intensity was raised again and a fantastic point from Club Player of the year Corofin's Kieran Molloy straight off the bench had those watching on wondering could a comeback be on.
Cameras panned to James Horan on the sideline looking frustrated and worried, could the heartbreak of Limerick 2014 be about to happen again?
Former player of the year Lee Keegan was introduced; Mayo clearly feeling they needed the big guns to see this one out. Darren Coen hoisted one over and Cillian O’Connor, ever a leader, added another.
A Shane Walsh free into the back of the net in the dying minute of injury time wasn't enough for Galway and it finished up Mayo 2-13 to Galway's 1-13.
A win is a win but James Horan again looked worried at full-time. The inability to put the tie to bed when they had such a lead will cause concern for the Mayo boss as they head into arguably the tougher Super 8 group alongside Donegal, Kerry and the winner of Clare and Meath.
A trip to Killarney to take on Kerry awaits them in just 7 days now as they aim for the ultimate glory and hope to end their long wait for that coveted All-Ireland title.
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