Stephen Rochford: Measured Mayo are ready to end the hurt

Rochford believes Mayo will end its long, emotional wait for an All-Ireland football title on Saturday — and he expects injured defender Eoghan McLaughlin to play a part against Tyrone

Mayo boss James Horan faces a big decision on Eoghan McLaughlin this week. ‘It’s a difficult one, he’s a young lad, will it be playing on his mind?’ ponders Stephen Rochford. Picture: James Crombie/Inpho

Former Mayo manager Stephen Rochford believes the county will end its long, emotional wait for an All-Ireland football title on Saturday — and he expects injured defender Eoghan McLaughlin to play a part against Tyrone.

Currently Donegal coach Rochford managed the Mayo team beaten in the 2016 and 2017 finals by Dublin. He has seen a county lurch between giddy optimism and despair on its seemingly endless quest. He detects the usual final frenzy is pitched at a slightly lower key this year. And he admits some surprise the current team has brought us to this point again, particularly in the manner they have overcome the loss of their talisman in previous near misses.