Peter Canavan previews the All-Ireland final clash of Dublin v Mayo, talks about his son Darragh scoring a goal for Tyrone, and looks at the managerial appointments in Tyrone and Louth.
BY GERARD BROWNE
Peter Canavan feels Mayo can’t afford to be one-dimensional against Dublin on Saturday.
James Horan’s side takes on the Boys in Blue in the All-Ireland SFC final at Croke Park and are looking to end their 69-year famine without the Sam Maguire Cup.
The Tyrone legend believe their close encounters in the past will give the westerners confidence, but they will also need to think outside the box.
Canavan has been impressed with the addition of Tommy Conroy to the forwards, but acknowledges Dessie Farell’s outfit holds the greater firepower with their bench.
“It is hard to disregard this Mayo team with their previous performances versus Dublin, but they would be foolish to arrive with a certain style and keep to it for the entire 70 minutes,” says the former Tyrone player.
“You can’t go out with just one gameplan against the Dubs because they have got smart footballers that know how to adapt.
“There will be spells where Mayo will have to sit back and defend in numbers and periods when they will use the high press and look to attack.
“The announcement of Tommy Conroy onto the scene this year has been superb with his movement and finishing.
“He has added a real difference and provides a cutting edge up front, which they didn’t have before.
“Man-to-man, Dublin has the advantage though and that continues with their substitutes too.
“I don’t see Mayo having anybody better than Paul Mannion, Brain Howard or Philly McMahon to bring on.”
The Errigal Ciarán clubman saw his son Darragh make his senior championship debut for Tyrone this year, including scoring a goal versus Donegal.
He will find himself under new management for 2021, as Fergal Logan and Brian Dooher take over the reigns from Mickey Harte, and the two-time All-Ireland winner is excited by the appointment.
“I am very confident Tyrone are in a good place moving forward,” says Canavan.
“There are already looking to put a strong backroom team together and it will help freshen things up for the players.”
This year’s GAA All Ireland Hurling and Football Championship semi-finals and finals will be Live on Sky Sport Mix.
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