Keegan has doubts whether Roscommon can handle hype and expectation
Lee Keegan believes that Roscommon are better positioned when they "smell an ambush". Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
Former Mayo defender, Lee Keegan, has his doubts as to whether Roscommon can handle the hype and expectation that will accompany Mark Dowd’s team into Sunday’s Connacht SFC final against Galway.
Writing in his column, Keegan admitted that a Connacht title would make Roscommon’s year in a way it wouldn’t for Galway, but he doesn’t see the Rossies getting the joy around the middle third they enjoyed against Mayo.
“As usual with Roscommon, the question is whether they can handle the hype and expectation generated by the Mayo performance. I have my doubts.
“They're ravenous when they smell an ambush and come in slightly under the radar. It tends to be a different story when they're widely fancied.
“There are selection issues for Roscommon. Daire Cregg is available again and he was the match-winner in Salthill during the league. However, there is a question as to whether he'll get back into the team, given the nature of the performance in MacHale Park.
“A Connacht title can make their year in a way it wouldn't for Galway. The latter have been in a couple of All-Ireland finals and it's Sam Maguire that dominates their thinking. The Nestor Cup is more of a staging post for Padraic Joyce's side.
“I see Galway as a process-oriented team who have a higher ceiling than Roscommon and a greater array of weapons,” he dissected.
