James Horan: There was a message to players in Moran’s post-match press conference

Mayo Manager Andy Moran, right, celebrates with Enda Hession after the game. Pic: Tom O’Hanlon/Inpho

Mayo boss Andy Moran was sending a message to his own players as well as the county's support with his recent press conference sermon, according to former manager James Horan speaking on the Irish Examiner's

The Gaelic Football Show.

Moran took issue with suggestions in his post-match press briefing that Mayo supporters might be more reserved in the build-up to an All-Ireland final against Kerry because they have previously been burned.

“I don’t laugh at that. I find it actually very dismissive, if I’m being honest. I think it is a bullshit question. I don’t mean that in any disrespect, but I think it’s a disrespectful question,” said Moran.

“Our county have been starved the last four or five years. If they go a bit nuts, let them.” Speaking on the Irish Examiner Gaelic football podcast, Horan credited the 2017 Footballer of the Year with hitting the right emotional pitch.

“To me, Andy has come in after a brilliant performance; his team gave a brilliant performance, and you are getting ready for the final. You are already getting ready for the final.

“As a management team, you have thought about what happens if you lose or if you win. You have a two-week window and you want to maximise it. So, you think a lot about what you are going to do immediately after a game.

Moran shouts directions to his players during Mayo's demolition of Louth at Croke Park Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile

“Andy came in there and was really preparing his team for the final. That is ultimately what he was doing in my mind. The context of that, break it down, absolutely the supporters should enjoy it.

“Why would anyone stop people from enjoying sport? It is an escape from the day-to-day of life. Go and enjoy it. It was a beautiful occasion, a beautiful day, great result, enjoy that.

“What he was also doing in that statement- fans will enjoy it and we will go do our thing. We will prepare and do what is needed. It won’t impact us. That is to me what Andy was doing there. Both things can happen. Fans can enjoy it and the team can prepare as best they can.”

Mayo have a young core as well as several stalwarts who have played in an All-Ireland final before.

“I think they are building. I saw Keith Higgins, Colm Boyle on the management team. Barry Solan has been with Arsenal for multiple years. There are very experienced players too, Aidan O’Shea or Cillian O’Connor, who have been through multiple finals and the prep for it. I think they will plot out the next two weeks very well.” 

Speaking after their 17-point defeat, Louth manager Gavin Devlin praised the athleticism of their opponents. Horan paid tribute to their S&C staff for their work with the group.

“Barry Solan and Conor Finn, I thought they were in exceptional shape. Sometimes you can see it almost before the game. They are in serious shape. Mayo have electric pace pretty much in every line. That will challenge any team.”