Mayo’s Eoghan McLaughlin celebrates scoring a goal against Kerry. Credit ©INPHO/Evan Treacy

Tyrone GAA legend Peter Canavan said he was impressed by Mayo’s defeat of Kerry but remains unconvinced when it comes to their ability to claim Sam this year.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Game On, Canavan said question marks remain.

“I’m not convinced yet. If Mayo were to play Galway in an All-Ireland final, I think Galway would win it.

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.”

He said Mayo might struggle to repeat the feat of defeating Kerry later in the competition.

“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 game as favourites.”