Mayo to focus on defence for tougher tests, says Alan Dillon

Alan Dillon admits that Mayo’s dismantling of Sligo in Sunday’s Connacht final may have done little to prepare them for the more taxing business of the All-Ireland series when opponents will surely show more defensive nous.

Sligo played into Mayo’s hands at the weekend by refusing to double-team Aidan O’Shea, who claimed 3-4 at full-forward while playing a critical part in the registering of another 3-5, and by their utter inability to close down space and track runners from deep.

And the ultimate concession of 6-25 to a Mayo side claiming a famous five-in-a-row of provincial titles stood in stark contrast to the nip and tuck nature of the Ulster decider between Monaghan and Donegal which preceded their game at Dr Hyde Park.