David Clarke: Hiatus could be blessing in disguise for Mayo

Mayo's long break since their early exit from the Connacht Football championship could be a blessing in disguise as the All-Ireland group stage begins, according to former goalkeeper David Clarke.

After a successful Allianz League campaign, Kevin McStay's side lost their provincial opener to Roscommon on 9 April and have had to bide their time since then.

Mayo will begin their group stage campaign against reigning All-Ireland champions Kerry in Killarney on Saturday, with Louth and Cork to come in the following weeks.

Speaking on RTÉ's The Championship podcast, ex-Mayo goalkeeper Clarke said the long break since their last competitive outing could prove beneficial for the panel.

"Mayo have had that break and in many ways, it mightn't be a bad thing," he said.

"I think Kevin McStay came in, set his stall out at the start of the season that he was going after that league, game after game, even FBD early on, strong pre-season, get going and unfortunately they didn't seem to hit the peaks that are needed for championship football.

"But there is a difference between league and championship football. So I can imagine from my past experiences of similar situations with Mayo and Donie Buckley involved, it was tough training there for a number of weeks with that break. That can really set the tone going forward."

Clarke highlighted that McStay's public pronouncements in the lead-up to this weekend had focused on aggression and intent rather than talk of systems and he feels that bodes well.

"That's what fans want to see. There was a feeling against Roscommon (that they) sat back a bit and didn't get to the pitch of the game, so it will be interesting and I'm sure they will bring that this weekend," he said.

All four group winners will