TYRONE'S praise for Dublin was "inflated" after their crushing All-Ireland semi-final defeat says former Mayo player and manager James Horan
In the aftermath of the Red Hands' semi-final loss, Mickey Harte described Dublin’s class of 2017 as the best he’d come up against.
Skipper Sean Cavanagh also praised the Dubs, describing Jim Gavin’s side as: “The greatest team I have ever faced and quite possibly the greatest team to have played GAA”.
But Horan suggests that the comments from the Tyrone camp were made “to make it a little bit easier on themselves” after the crushing 11-point defeat.
Tyrone went into that game against Dublin viewed as underdogs with a puncher’s chance and they were expected to genuinely test the reigning All-Ireland champions.
But on the day the Red Hands found themselves playing second fiddle in a disappointingly one-sided affair and Harte said afterwards: “It’s the best Dublin team that I have faced in my Championship career at senior level. I think you have to give them that now.”
However, Horan remains unconvinced with the comments from the Ulster champions.
“I just don’t think Tyrone turned up on the day,” said Sky Sports pundit who is tipping his native county to beat Dublin in Sunday’s All-Ireland final.
“I think Mickey and Sean’s opinions might be inflated that it might make it a little bit easier on themselves.”
However, the Ballintubber native agrees that Dublin have improved on what they produced in 2016 when they needed a replay to overcome Mayo and complete a two in-a-row.
“Dublin are definitely a lot better than they were last year even though they haven’t been tested,” he said.
“They have been tested over the years and won so many close games and even in the League campaign they ground out games.
“But they are definitely a better version than last year. Last year I thought they were tired towards the end of the season. Now they have Jack McCaffrey back and they have changed what they are doing. “So Dublin are definitely better, they have players playing at the top of their game and they look to be coming into form.”
