Unique bond within Mayo squad a key factor ahead of All-Ireland final – Marty Morrissey

Top GAA broadcaster Marty Morrissey has pinpointed the unique sense of brotherhood and camaraderie within the Mayo squad as central to the county's bid to win the All-Ireland SFC final against Kerry or Tyrone on September 11.

The popular RTÉ commentator said he noticed one thing about James Horan and his charges this year that he has not seen in other inter-county senior football squads.

He elaborated: “Every time the players are finished in their groups after playing a match or being among the substitutes, they gather in a circle, naturally, around James.

“It tells me there is a great sense of brotherhood and camaraderie within the group.

“That factor might just get them across the line on September 11.

“I did interviews today with Stephen Coen and James Horan.

"They are fully focused and I like their attitude. They are really just concentrating on one thing. They know what they are doing.”

Morrissey believes the build-up of experience, along with a cocktail of young talent like Padráig O'Hora coming in, is 'a truly fantastic feature of the Mayo squad'.

He stated: “I'd love if Oisin Mullen is able to play and when you mix the younger players in with the likes of Aidan O'Shea, Kevin McLoughlin and Rob Hennelly – who I am so glad had such a memorable game against Dublin – then Mayo are in with a great chance, in my view.

“With the excitement of beating the Dubs dying down, the players and management can now focus on the final and giving it loads on the day."

He does not think the pressure of Mayo not having won the title for 70 years will rest heavily on the shoulders of the players.

He said: “I think 70 years is there but I don't think that (pressure) will happen until the team is two points up with two minutes to go.

“That's when it really tests the players as they realise they are on the verge of winning the title after such a long time."

If Mayo win, he said he will be down in Castlebar to join in the celebrations.

“We will have a Marty party like no other Marty party ever!

"Cancel everything. Just go mad. . .with social distancing, of course.”

* The Connaught Telegraph thanks Marty for dropping into our offices at Main Street, Castlebar, today and sharing his insights on Mayo football.