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RTÉ Publishing's Patrick Kennedy previews this weekend's All-Ireland SFC final.
Mayo bid, once again, to cast aside the memories of all the bitter disappointment they have suffered in All-Ireland SFC finals since their last victory in 1951 when they take on Kerry for the title in Croke Park this Sunday, throw-in at 3.30pm.
The fact is, however, that it would not be a major shock if they were to do so. They have displayed excellent temperament and confidence this year and the squad are working well together and playing well as a unit. We are used, over the years, to seeing Mayo forwards wasting precious possession by kicking unthinkable wides from ridiculous angles but this year they just seem, in the main, to be splitting the posts.
However, since losing the Munster SFC final replay, Kerry have been in awesome form. It's naive to think that their tactic of aiming diagonal ball at Kieran Donaghy is new to the game (Armagh having been bombarding Ronan Clarke and Stevie McDonnell for years in this manner) but it has inspired improved performances from the rest of their attacking unit.
If Mayo are to end the hurt they need to keep the ball away from Donaghy and the onus will be on their midfield and half-back line to stop the ball going his way – as well as on David Heaney to flick the ball away from him closer to goal.
Mayo have more options as Kerry have only displayed one winning style of play this year. If the men from Connacht force them to change their ways then Sam could be heading for winter in the west.
Verdict: Mayo
