Longford wary of wounded Mayo, says Barden

THE popular school of thought is that Mayo enter this evening’s All-Ireland qualifier round 1 tie in Pearse Park in a state of chaos.

The positive vibes emanating from their camp during the league were dispelled by the heavy beating that Cork inflicted upon them in the Croke Park decider in April and then their Connacht championship aspirations were ripped apart by Sligo at the first hurdle in Markievicz Park earlier this month. Now they travel to Longford seemingly in a state of flux but the hosts are not convinced they are on the cusp of causing a major shock.

“They’re still a quality team to be facing,” insists Longford captain Paul Barden.