Horan claims Mortimer criticism hit Mayo hard

James Horan has admitted his players were negatively affected by a statement from Conor Mortimer’s family which criticised his handling of the team the week of last year’s Connacht final.

Mortimer quit the panel the week before the game against Sligo and Mayo subsequently struggled but the experience drew them tighter together as a team.

“It was a shock. I thought we had dealt with the issue early in the week, but the family statement came out then and it was in my opinion unhelpful as regards our preparation.