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"I wouldn't feel too much heartbreak" | Mayo's Conor Loftus on the push for Sam

Mayo's Conor Loftus says it's all about the here and now when it comes to ending a 69 year wait f...



Football

"I wouldn't feel too much heartbreak" | Mayo's Conor Loftus on the push for Sam

Mayo's Conor Loftus says it's all about the here and now when it comes to ending a 69 year wait for All Ireland senior football honours.

The Connacht champions face Munster champions Tipperary in the All Ireland semi-finals at Croke Park on Sunday week.

Mayo lost All Ireland finals in 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2017, all in close fashion.

However, Crossmolina native Loftus, who scored two goals in the 2016 All Ireland Under-21 triumph, is not feeling any hang-ups as James Horan's men bid for senior glory once more.

"I wouldn't feel too much heartbreak on any of them, to be honest. From my point of view, you are kind of creating your own journey and your own path. What's gone before you doesn't really bother us too much."

The Mayo support is famous for getting behind the team, and midfielder Loftus says the connection remains, despite the coronavirus restrictions and absence of crowds at matches.

"You are getting a lot of texts off people and you are talking to friends and family. Obviously, Mayo people are very supportive in general.  You know there are a lot of people still behind you. We are kind of hoping if we can keep winning, we're giving them something to enjoy over the winter. You still do realise the amount of people that are behind you, supporting you."

James Horan has brought new faces into the Mayo set up since beginning his second spell in charge - with Oisin Mullin, Matthew Ruane, and Tommy Conroy among those making an impact.

Loftus feels the green and red have the right blend of youth and experience, with young lads challenging for starting positions.

"It's given everyone a big boost, even at training and things like that. Pushing for places, even places in the 26, in the squad, is massive, because of the competition the younger guys have brought in and the experienced guys as well are pushing."

In 2016, Mayo had Tipperary's number by five points in the last four.

Premier county centre field duo Steven O'Brien and Liam Casey performed well in the air against Cork, so Loftus is aware that there's an important battle to negotiate if he is selected.

"Two big midfielders. They're good ball players on the ground as well, so it won't just be in the air that we'll be competing with them. I went to college with Steve. He's a powerful, pacy, player, he's a very good player. Looking forward to having a battle with them."

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