The day Mayo shocked Dublin and sparked a great modern rivalry

The 2012 All-Ireland semi-final left an indelible mark on both counties and helped lay the foundations for Sky Blue’s success that was to follow, as Eamonn Fennell and Mickey Conroy recall.

Eamon Fennell (left) and Michael Darragh Macauley in action for Dublin against Mayo duo Enda Varley (left) and Aidan O’Shea in 2012. Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

The running joke in the Mayo team in the days leading up to the 2012 All-Ireland semi-final was that if Mickey Conroy scored a point with his left foot they would beat the Dubs. Nothing is more certain.

Twelve minutes later Aidan O’Shea kicked the ball into the corner between Hill 16 and the Cusack Stand. Conroy came out in front of Mick Fitzsimons and stopped with a sixpence, turned and, lo and behold, the prophecy came true.