Dublin legend thinks Boys in Blue will have their hands full

Retired Dubs legend Diarmuid Connolly thinks Mayo will have plenty of scoring opportunities against Dublin in the All-Ireland SFC final this weekend.

The six-time All-Ireland winner told BoyleSports’ Leon Blanche that he thinks Mayo have a potent inside forward line and Dublin will have their hands full.

“Cillian O’Connor, Aidan O’Shea, Tommy Conroy, that’s Mayo’s inside forward line and this Mayo side are very settled and that’s what you want from a team going into an All-Ireland SFC final,” he said.

“You don’t want to have question marks over certain positions.

“They are getting scores from half back from Paddy Durkan, Stephen Coen and from Matthew Ruane in midfield.

“Dermot O’Connor is chipping in, Kevin McLoughlin and that inside forward line is so potent. Cillian O’Connor scored a 4-09 the last day and they have a big target man in Aidan O’Shea.

“That’s my question mark for this Dublin team, how do you mange him?

“If Mayo can get early long balls into Aidan O’Shea and get runners off them could we see then maybe Philly McMahon or Rory O’Carroll starting in full-back.

“I’m not too sure but Dublin will have their hands full because this Mayo outfit can score.”

Connolly predicts who will be tasked with trying to put the shackles on Aidan O’Shea as he could cause a lot of problems for Dublin.

“There was talk a couple of years ago that Dublin were weak under a high ball and long ball and that’s how you can beat Dublin, but it’s never happened! James McCarthy went in on him one year for a half, Philly done super jobs on him down through the years,” he said.

“Rory O’Carroll done an immense job on him, but they have options.

“Mick Fitzsimons is a tall guy and can compete in the air as well.

“Jonny Cooper for me is more of a guy who marks on the edge, on the shoulder and out in front so I can see him maybe picking up Tommy Conroy if he does start on the corner back.”

“Will Dublin struggle under this high ball with Aidan O’Shea and do they have the personnel to match that sort of physicality?

“In the past they have struggled so let’s see what happens this Sunday.”