By Cian O’Connell

Mayo manager James Horan acknowledged the impact made by Dublin’s substitutes carried huge relevance in Saturday’s All Ireland SFC Final at Croke Park.

In the closing stages Brian Howard and Paul Mannion landed critical scores as Dublin claimed a sixth title on the spin.

“Disappointed, obviously,” Horan reflected following the game when speaking to the assembled press in the Hogan Stand.

“We did a lot of things right, we were still in it with 12, 13 minutes to go. We ran out of juice maybe a little bit, and a bit loose with some of the possession at times.

“It cost us as Dublin got stronger, and stronger as the game went on. Some of their subs made a big difference and they ran out winners in the end.”

Horan was adamant about the rich contribution of Dublin’s replacements. “I just think we didn't get the impact that we would like from some of the guys coming on or whatever it was,” Horan added.

“As I said Brian Howard came on, Paul Mannion came on, some of those subs won a lot of primary possession. They were dangerous and that had an impact on the game.”

In a lively opening period Mayo responded to the concession of two Dublin goals. “Yeah, Dublin are a goal threat on multiple fronts, at any time,” Horan admitted.

“The first goal was very early, but I thought our response for a portion of the first half was very good. Our kickouts and opposition kickouts we did very well, got some good scores.”

Ultimately Horan felt Mayo weren’t sufficiently clinical. “We missed a few ones that fell short into the goalies hands, they are a killer,” Horan remarked.

“Overall our response to the two goals was very good. I just felt we had a lot of possession. Some of it we lost very cheaply and that cost us in the end.”