James Horan says Mayo must bounce back from Roscommon loss
Sunday 26 May 2019 11:26, UK
James Horan knows that Mayo must dig deep if they are to secure safe passage through the qualifiers once again this summer.
After losing 2-12 to 0-17 at home to Roscommon, they will now head for the back door.
"We're very disappointed, but we'll quickly move on," Horan said to Sky Sports after the game.
"There's no other option. The guys will be keen to do that, they know they didn't play to anywhere near where they can. But that was down to Roscommon, they were physical and strong and knew exactly what they were doing.
"We just have to reflect on ourselves. We had a chance to win it, and didn't - fair play to Roscommon. They kicked on, got a good score and deservedly won the game.
"We've got four weeks to knuckle down, and we will. Very quickly we'll move on. We'll give a good account of ourselves the next game we play."
Meanwhile, opposite number Anthony Cunningham expressed his pleasure after securing a Connacht final berth.
"We're delighted for the supporters and the players," he said. "It's a long time coming to Castlebar for Roscommon supporters without winning. To win just at the finish, and the manner in which those players produced out there [was special].
"Our guys stayed at it, and at it, and at it. They hung in there and showed great character.
"We're only in the game to win, we're not here for the fresh air.
"In the second half, we didn't have a lot of possession. But when we got the chances, we took our time. It's something we've worked quite a lot on, to keep our composure, and we'll have to work on it a bit more for Galway in Salthill in three weeks' time.
"Galway are Connacht champions. Kevin [Walsh] and the Galway players don't really get the praise they deserve. They're a tremendous team, an experienced team, well set up and hard to beat."
Cunningham feels Mayo will bounce back, adding: "It's not the end of the day for Mayo.
"They're a tremendous team, and no doubt they'll come back a stronger team."
