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Diarmuid O'Connor: 'They have really set the bar'

Diarmuid O Connor netted a goal in the All Ireland SFC Semi-Final replay against Kerry.

Diarmuid O Connor netted a goal in the All Ireland SFC Semi-Final replay against Kerry.

** By Cian O'Connell**

Diarmuid O'Connor is used to the drama by now. One important thing, though, in the past two campaigns is the fact that Mayo's footballers are getting games. Lots of Championship matches and exposure.

"It has been a crazy year, there have been a lot of ups and downs this year, no more than last year," O'Connor admits.

"More games gives lads more experience and we can see what is working and what is not working.

"Dublin will pose a new threat and everyone  can see how well they are going at the moment, they have been flying and they have been flying all year.

"They have really set the bar for the other counties and we will just be hoping to try to match that."

Does O'Connor feel that Mayo and Dublin are in better form entering the 2017 decider compared to 2016? "A lot has changed since last year," O'Connor says.

"There has been a few fresh faces, there have been tweaks in tactics too so we are not going to focus too much on last year, we are focusing on this year and on our own performance, even from the last game there is  a lot that we can improve on, both individually and as a team."

Mayo have shown a commendable ability to survive when demanding questions are being posed. Derry had them in bother in Castlebar. Clare started in blistering fashion.

Cork embarked on a stirring revival. Roscommon pocketed a couple of early goals. Kerry somehow led in injury time. Ultimately Mayo carved out either a draw or win in those tussles.

There is always a way back. "It's not really something we talk about," O'Connor states about Mayo's refusal to panic.

Diarmuid O Connor netted a goal in the All Ireland SFC Semi-Final replay against Kerry.

Diarmuid O Connor netted a goal in the All Ireland SFC Semi-Final replay against Kerry.

"It just comes naturally. When you come out of a tight battle, somewhere in the back of your head that when the game is in the melting pot that you do have that confidence where you think about it, but it probably is in there somewhere."

How does O'Connor rate his own displays during the current campaign? "Individually, inconsistent would probably be the big word, no more than the team performance, kind of been up and down, it hasn't been as consistent as I would have liked.

"After every game I review my own performance no more than the team's performance and just see what I can improve for the next game, just forget about the game and work on whatever I can improve on."

O'Connor's older brother, Cillian, captains Mayo on Sunday. Is advice or guidance sought? "He has experienced a lot more, he's been there a lot longer than I have," O'Connor remarks.

"No different than any player. We just help each other out. I wouldn't go to him more than anyone else.

"We're all comfortable to go to each other. Older players come to the younger players. Everyone is comfortable going to each other and asking each other for advice.”

United, spirited, and resilient this crop of Mayo footballers continues to deliver. Can they hoist Sam Maguire on Sunday?