Cillian O’Connor: Mayo ‘relish’ edge of knockout football

O’Connor said the experience of losing a fifth All-Ireland final in his career last December hasn’t affected his outlook on the upcoming Championship

Kellogg's GAA Cúl Camps ambassador and Mayo footballer Cillian O'Connor with brothers Paddy, age 13, left, and Tom Nolan, age 10, of St Brigids GAA Club in Castleknock at the launch of the 2021 Kellogg's GAA Cúl Camps, in Croke Park.

All-Star Cillian O’Connor reckons Mayo “relish that kind of edge” that is brought about by straight knockout Championship football.

The Connacht champions thrived under the revised arrangements last year when the qualifiers were set aside, marching all the way to the All-Ireland final. The same format is in place for this year’s Championship and with Sligo and Leitrim, two Division 4 teams, on Mayo’s side of the provincial draw, a return to the Connacht final at least is anticipated.