Ronan O’Gara doesn’t subscribe to the idea that there’s nothing between Mayo and Dublin.
They’ve drawn in two championship games in the last two seasons and went to two replays, the last of which was decided by a point. A single point. A kick of the ball, as the man says.
But one of Ireland’s most fierce competitors doesn’t believe they are that close – not yet anyway.
In fact, he thinks that Dublin have broken them.
“Oh, I think there’s a massive difference, I do. I don’t think people get that,” the Munster rugby legend explained on SportsJOE Live sponsored by Screwfix.ie.
“Over a period of time, yes [the perception can be transformed], but it’s not as if Dublin have three All-Irelands and Mayo have two.
“Dublin have, consistently, mentally broken them which, to me, means there’s a big part missing in Mayo somewhere.”
Colm Parkinson argued Mayo’s case but O’Gara continued, breaking down the difference between the champions and the would-be kings.
“I think they don’t know how to get over the line – until they find that out, I think there will always be doubts and disappointment in their heads. They have to find a way to do that [get over the line],” O’Gara said.
“Dublin have just been incredible. There’s a big skill involved in being two points down with five minutes to go – people underappreciate that.
“Dublin have had the gun to their head and they’ve managed to find a way to win.”
Watch the full conversation below from 37:57.
