JOURNEY WITH US back through the mists of time to an August Sunday from ten years ago when Dublin and Mayo played out a classic All-Ireland senior football semi-final.  

We’re live (in a retro sort of way) with all the action from Croke Park.

As always, we’d love to hear your comments. Send them to sport@the42.ie, tweet them @The42GAA, find us on Facebook, or leave a comment below.

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Here’s a look at the two teams that will do battle this afternoon:

MAYO

David Clarke
Dermot Geraghty
David Heaney (captain)
Keith Higgins
Aidan Higgins
James Nallen
Peadar Gardiner
Ronan McGarritty
Pat Harte
Billy Joe Padden
Ger Brady
Alan Dillon
Mickey Conroy
Conor Mortimer
Ciaran McDonald

DUBLIN

Stephen Cluxton
Barry Cahill
Paul Griffin
David Henry
Paul Casey
Bryan Cullen
Coman Goggins
Ciaran Whelan
Shane Ryan
Kevin Bonner
Jason Sherlock
Ray Cosgrove
Alan Brogan
Conal Keaney
Tomás Quinn

Kerry have already booked their place in the September decider, as the Kingdom ran out 0-16 to 0-10 winners against Cork in last Sunday’s semi-final.

Dublin come into this semi-final as Leinster champions, while Mayo are Connacht kingpins. In their respective All-Ireland quarter-finals, Dublin beat Westmeath by 1-12 to 0-5 and Mayo were 0-14 to 0-11 winners against Laois, after a replay.

The two teams should be out shortly for their warm-ups….

Photographers are eagerly awaiting the emergence of both teams from the tunnel. Tom Honan / INPHO Tom Honan / INPHO / INPHO

Here come Mayo! They’re trotting down to the Hill 16 end to begin their warm-up. There could be trouble ahead!

And now it’s Dublin’s turn as they emerge to a massive roar from the crowd! There are plenty of Mayo fans dotted around the Hill 16 terrace, we notice.

Dublin’s players stand in for photographs and break off. They’re now marching down towards the Hill 16 end of the pitch, arm in arm. You could cut the tension with a knife here!

Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

There are crazy scenes here as Dublin and Mayo players warm up in the same area of the pitch! Dublin manager Paul Caffrey has just barged into the back of Mayo coach John Morrison! It’s all kicking off!

Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

Hopefully things settle down here because these are not the kind of scenes that we want to see before such a big game. Hopefully the post-match comment will centre on the football, and not what’s just happened!

We’re ten minutes away from throw-in and the atmosphere at Croke Park is absolutely electric.

We’ve also seen a female member of the Mayo backroom on the ground and in need of attention. She may have been hit by a stray football as both teams warm up.

Pictures are flying in of Dublin making their way towards the Hill. There were clearly mind games at play here as Mayo boss Mickey Moran decided to take his players to that end of the pitch to warm up.

Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

Around 7 minutes from throw-in here and thankfully, the situation appears to have calmed and fans of both teams are now looking forward to what promises to be a cracking game of football.

Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

Both teams come into this semi-final just one step away from the September decider. Dublin haven’t lifted Sam since 1995 while Mayo’s long wait dates back to 1951. But who will get the chance to face off against Kerry next month?

Our match referee for today’s game is Tipperary’s Paddy Russell.

And we’re underway at Croke Park!

Dublin attacking the Hill 16 end in the first half.

Frantic opening to the game as both teams find their feet…

4 mins: Dublin 0-0 Mayo 0-1

Conor Mortimer with a cracking score for Mayo to get the Connacht champions off the mark.

Mortimer is now joint top scorer in championship 2006.

5 mins: Another good chance for Mayo but Mortimer shoots wide from close range.

Tomas Quinn has a chance to get Dublin on terms with a 45.

Quinn’s effort hits the upright but as play progresses, Dublin have a free and this should be the equaliser.

That’s another chance missed for Dublin as Quinn’s free drifts wide.

And here’s another free chance for Mayo, this one a bit more difficult close to the Hogan Stand touchline.

And another one goes begging for Dublin. Quinn’s radar is not in yet.

Mayo's Conor Mortimer goes up against Dublin's Stephen Cluxton Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

11 mins: Dublin 0-0 Mayo 0-2

What a score from Ciaran McDonald! Maurice Fitzgerald-esque from the sideline ball. Brilliant score.

Here’s another look at that McDonald score! What an effort.

12 mins: Dublin 0-0 Mayo 0-3

Mayo are flying! Alan Dillon slots over their third score of the afternoon, another fine effort.

Dream start for Mayo, almost everything they’re hitting is flying over as Dublin struggle for scores at the other end. The Sky Blues yet to score.

Ciaran McDonald drops a long-range free wide. It’s their second wide of the day.

Have Dublin been upset by those pre-match scenes?

16 mins: Dublin 0-0 Mayo 0-4

Slack play by Dublin is punished by a turnover. Conor Mortimer transfers to Ciaran McDonald, and Alan Dillon fists over the bar. Goal chance!

Dublin’s shooting is desperately wayward so far, as Alan Brogan puts a long-range effort well off-target.

17 mins: Dublin 0-1 Mayo 0-4

Finally, Dublin get off the mark as Conal Keaney shoots over with his left boot. Keaney stormed through the middle and there was was a goal on.

That’s a very, very high tackle from Ciaran Whelan on Mayo’s Ronan McGarritty. The Dublin man is extremely fortunate to avoid a red card there.

McGarritty back on his feet but he’s been shaken by that Whelan challenge.

20 mins: Dublin 0-1 Mayo 0-5

Sensational Mayo score as Ger Brady bangs one over off the outside of his right boot. Super work by Mortimer to set him up.

20 mins: Dublin 0-2 Mayo 0-5

Excellent Dublin response as Ray Cosgrove, top scorer in championship 2002, slots over a second score for Paul Caffrey’s charges.

More missed chances as the Dubs register two quick-fire wides.

These missed opportunities could return to haunt Dublin if there’s a narrow margin between the teams at full-time.

GOAL FOR DUBLIN!

23 mins: Dublin 1-2 Mayo 0-5

Alan Brogan’s shot is kept out by David Clarke but Conal Keaney is on hand to finish off the rebound. Game on!

24 mins: Dublin 1-3 Mayo 0-5

And in the blink of an eye, Dublin move a point clear. Ray Cosgrove with his second point.

26 mins: Dublin 1-3 Mayo 0-6

Excellent response from Mayo as Aidan Higgins gets forward to fist an equalising point.

Ciaran Whelan is gone off the Dublin team, and replaced by Darren Magee. It appears to be a temporary substitution.

28 mins: Dublin 1-4 Mayo 0-6

Eye of the needle stuff as Mossy Quinn picks out Keaney but with a goal on, he’s content to fist the ball over the bar. That’s 1-2 now for Keaney.

The first half of this game is flying by, real end to end stuff.

Let off for Mayo! Jason Sherlock rattles the Mayo crossbar. How did that one stay out??

31 mins: Dublin 1-4 Mayo 0-7

Goal chance at the other end! Conor Mortimer slots over with the goal begging.

Barry Moran replaces Ronan McGarritty in the Mayo midfield. McGarritty has been forced off as a result of that hit from Whelan earlier.

Another goal chance! This time Alan Brogan is denied as Aidan Higgins takes the full brunt of his blistering shot and the ball cannons to safety. Tomás Quinn standing over the resultant 45.

34 mins: Dublin 1-5 Mayo 0-7

Tomás Quinn finds the range with the 45. That should settle him down after those earlier missed efforts.

Ciarán McDonald has the sweetest of left boots but he’s kicked one wide from long range.

Two minutes of added time to be played at the end of the first half.

Alan Brogan does well to get inside Keith Higgins and he’s dragged to the ground. Free in for Dublin.

That’s an extraordinary miss from Conal Keaney. The angle favoured a left-footer but he’s pulled it wide.

Kevin O’Neill has replaced Mickey Conroy for Mayo.

35+3 mins: Dublin 1-5 Mayo 0-8

What an introduction from O’Neill! He sells a couple of brilliant dummies and swings over an equalising point off his left boot.

35+3 mins: Dublin 1-5 Mayo 0-9

A sensational score from Mortimer and Mayo have the lead again. Brilliant end to the first half for them.

Half-time: Dublin 1-5 Mayo 0-9 

What a half of football! Missed chances at both ends of the field but that stunning injury-time burst from Mayo has them ahead by a point at the break.

The half-time break allows us to draw breath. This is set up for some second half.

Both teams are back out on the pitch.

And we’re back underway for the second half.

Dublin have taken off Barry Cahill, Ciaran Whelan is back on and Darren Magee is now a full sub.

36 mins: Dublin 1-6 Mayo 0-9

Alan Brogan levels the game for the 5th time, with his first point.

GOAL FOR DUBLIN!

37 mins: Dublin 2-6 Mayo 0-9

Brilliant Dublin goal as the ball goes through a number of hands before Jason Sherlock finishes off the move. Massive start to the second half for Dublin.

38 mins: Dublin 2-7 Mayo 0-9

Dublin strike again for a point, Alan Brogan on target again. They’ve opened the second half in brilliant fashion.

39 mins: Dublin 2-8 Mayo 0-9

And Dublin move five points clear! Alan Brogan again with the point, his third.

Dublin are relentless now and Tomás Quinn is pulled down by Dermot Geraghty. The Mayo defender is booked.

42 mins: Dublin 2-9 Mayo 0-9

Quinn taps over the resultant free and Dublin storm into a six-point lead. This is looking bleak for Mayo.

Mayo badly need to stall this Dublin momentum.

44 mins: Dublin 2-9 Mayo 0-10

A stunning point from Conor Mortimer and that’s a badly needed Mayo score.

It’s taken Mayo eight minutes to register their first point of the second half.

45 mins: Dublin 2-10 Mayo 0-10

Kevin Bonner fists a Dublin point and that restores Dublin’s six-point advantage.

46 mins: Dublin 2-11 Mayo 0-10

This game could be done and dusted now. Conal Keaney gets in behind the Mayo cover again. He’s bottled up in search of a goal but improvises well to fist the ball over the bar .

Mayo have introduced Andy Moran for James Nallen.

47 mins: Dublin 2-11 Mayo 0-11

Ger Brady keeps Mayo hanging onto Dublin’s coattails with a neat point.

Conor Mortimer’s name goes into Paddy Russell’s notebook.

50 mins: Dublin 2-11 Mayo 0-12

Mayo back within five points as Alan Dillon knocks over his third.

Senan Connell replaces Ray Cosgrove on the Dublin team.

GOAL FOR MAYO!

51 mins: Dublin 2-11 Mayo 1-12

Dublin concede their first goal of the championship as Kevin O’Neill opens up their defence. Andy Moran is in behind Shane Ryan and finishes well. Lifeline for Mayo!

54 mins: Dublin 2-11 Mayo 1-13

One point game!! What a score from Kevin O’Neill! Mayo back within touching distance.

O’Neill plays his club football in Dublin, with Paul Caffrey’s club Na Fianna. And he’s hurting the Dubs with two points so far.

55 mins: Dublin 2-11 Mayo 1-14

Brilliant stuff from Mayo as Alan Dillon levels it up! From seven points down they’ve somehow come back!

82,148 is today’s official attendance at Croke Park and they’re watching a classic unfold.

15 minutes left and it’s anyone’s game!

Dublin are rattled and Conor Mortimer has a free to put Mayo ahead.

57 mins: Dublin 2-11 Mayo 1-15

And Mortimer nails it! The Mayo turnaround is complete, they now lead by a point.

Peadar Gardiner appears to be struggling with an injury but Mayo have used all five subs!

Dublin’s Conal Keaney is booked by referee Paddy Russell. Game on a knife-edge here.

Ten minutes to go and Mayo hanging on by a point.

Sub: Dublin bring in Declan Lally for Shane Ryan.

Mayo's Alan Dillon is tackled by Dublin's Paul Casey Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

Mark Vaughan about to come in for Dublin.

Mortimer has a chance to put Mayo two points clear.

He’s dragged that one well wide, Mayo remain just a point clear.

Mark Vaughan has replaced Tomás Quinn for Dublin. 5 minutes left!

67 mins: Dublin 2-12 Mayo 1-15

What a score from Alan Brogan! Great work from Stephen Cluxton at the other end and Dublin break with lightning pace. Brogan slots over the equaliser!

Drama! Mark Vaughan’s effort hits the upright and Mayo clear their lines!

What a score!!!

68 mins: Dublin 2-12 Mayo 1-16

That’s an incredible score from Ciaran McDonald! Tight on the Hogan Stand touchline, McDonald arcs a beauty over the Hill 16 end uprights!!

Less than two minutes left for Dublin to find an equaliser, plus whatever stoppage time is added on.

Dublin have a 45!!

Tomás Quinn is off the pitch and the responsibility falls to Mark Vaughan!

It’s hit the crossbar!!

Alan Brogan’s follow-up is blocked down and Mayo somehow smuggle the ball clear!!

3 minutes of additional time to be played, we’ve already had a minute of that! Mayo hanging on by a point and what a let-off they’ve just had. Vaughan’s effort looked a point all over but the crossbar saved Mayo!

Dublin have another chance to level!!

Vaughan with another free from 50 yards but it’s gone wide!!

Vaughan looks to the heavens…is that Dublin’s last chance??

Incredible drama here, time is up!

One last attack for Dublin…

It’s all over!!!

Full-time: Dublin 2-12 Mayo 1-16

What an incredible game! It’s Mayo who go forward to face Kerry in three weeks’ time but we’ll be talking about that semi-final for some time to come. Ciarán McDonald’s point ultimately settles it but that one could have gone either way. Late chances missed by Mark Vaughan could have pulled Dublin level but his 45 hit the crossbar and he dragged a free wide of the target.

Let’s have another look at that magical Ciarán McDonald point to win it:

Simply sensational from McDonald and if we have a final to match what we’ve just seen, we’re in for an epic when Mayo face Kerry next month.

That’s it from Croke Park, folks. We hope you enjoyed that classic encounter every bit as much as we did.

Thanks for joining us.