Peter Canavan: Kerry and Galway still have edge on Mayo if they were to meet in an All-Ireland final

Peter Canavan was left impressed by the way in which Mayo overcame Kerry on Saturday but is not convinced that they would be able to repeat the feat were they to meet the Kingdom or Galway in an All-Ireland final.

Kevin McStay's side ended Kerry's 39-match unbeaten home run in the championship in their Group 1 Round 1 All-Ireland SFC round-robin encounter in Killarney, bouncing back effectively from their early Connacht championship exit at the hands of Roscommon.

However, the two-time All-Ireland winner still feels there are a couple of teams ahead of Mayo.

"I'm not convinced yet. If Mayo were to play Galway in an All-Ireland final, I think Galway would win it," he told RTÉ's Game On.

"Now, Mayo were very impressive absolutely and a lot of people questioned them after their defeat in Connacht, and my god they came back with some answer.

"Kerry were very impressive in the Munster final against Clare but Mayo scored 1-19 and they left a bit behind them too.

"So for a team that hadn't played any competitive football in six weeks, it was a very impressive performance.

"And yes, of course, they've put themselves back in the reckoning. But just like maybe a lot of people felt that when Mayo were beaten in Connacht, a lot of people were writing them off, a few people are saying a few things now about Kerry that they're gone and whatnot, likewise I just wouldn't be too quick to write them off.

"I think (Kerry) will certainly learn from this defeat. It will motivate them. I have no doubt Jack O'Connor will find it easier speaking to these boys now moving forward.

"And likewise if Kerry and Mayo were to play in an All-Ireland final semi-final in Croke Park or an All-Ireland final, you'd find that Kerry probably would be going into that