A mere few moments of excitement towards the end was at variance with the general pattern of a listless semi-final which Tyrone deserved to win to ensure a return to an All- Ireland final first time since winning the title in 1998.
Tyrone, the superior side in the second half, had squandered many chances to leave themselves vulnerable with only a two-point lead when goalkeeper John Devine and the woodwork denied Alan Durcan a goal. Tyrone full forward Martin Penrose got a chance to put the result beyond doubt but his shot was deflected for a 45 which Peter Donnelly knocked over for a three-point advantage. The insurance point was popped over by substitute Niall Gormley.
Tyrone's joint manager, Liam Donnelly, said: "It may not have been flowing football but that was because players were so well marked. Had there been a few more players on the pitch of the calibre of Seβn Cavanagh the standard of play would have improved.
Cavanagh, listed on the 40, switched to midfield in an early exchange with Barry Mulligan and proceeded to play the game of his life. He contributed two points and fell back to retrieve some tough situations.
The generally dull pattern was indicated over the first quarter when five of the eight points scores (0-4 apiece) came off placed balls. Cavanagh, though, was unlucky with a good shot that whizzed over the bar. Tyrone lost out on a second goal chance before half-time after corner back Dermot Geraghty was robbed in possession by Ger Toner but somehow David Clarke saved. Clarke was again seen in sparkling form just after the break when saving from Niall Gormley.
But had Tyrone's Leo Meenan, Tommy McGuigan, Paul Rafferty and Martin Penrose taken their chances in the third quarter Tyrone, a point clear at half-time, would have been spared late anxiety.
TYRONE: J Devine; R O'Neill, D Carlin, M McStavock; J McMahon, K McCrory, P Quinn; P Donnelly (0-3, two 45s) B Mulligan; L Meenan (0-3, frees), S Cavanagh (0-2), T McGuigan; G Toner, M Penrose (0-1), P Rafferty (0-1, free). Subs: N Gormley (0-1) for Toner (29 mins), C Mullen for McMahon (32 mins), C Donnelly for Rafferty (48 mins).
MAYO: D Clarke; P Lydon, P Navan, D Geraghty; M Mulvaney (0-1), S Drake (0-1, 45), K Walsh; R McNamara, O Hughes; A Durcan (0-1); J Morrin (0-3), J Prenty (0-1, free); C Carty (0-1, free); B Lynskey, A Moran. Subs: J Moloney for Moran (40 mins), C Forde for Prenty (48 mins).
Referee: M Ryan (Limerick)
