Dr Mick Loftus. Photo: Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE
Dr Loftus says the build-up to this All-Ireland final is different from other years and everyone is more subdued.
“I don’t believe there isn’t the same excitement. It’s different definitely this year with all that is going on.
“Everything is a bit quieter because we all have to watch it at home.
“Mayo people always go to Croke Park. Mayo has the greatest supporters, so this is strange to have to be at home.
“I do think the excitement is building up now that it is drawing close.
Admitting he is disappointed not being able to attend this final in Croke Park, Dr Loftus thinks it could be good for Mayo.
Alexander the Great was reputed to have cried when he realised his army had no more worlds to conquer. By the time of his death at the age of 32, the Macedonian king was head of the largest empire the world had seen.
The Dublin footballers are unlikely to have shed the same tears September before last when they broke through the barrier to claim the GAA s first All-Ireland inter-county senior men s five-in-a-row, masters of all they surveyed at that point. Because for some, on a personal level, there are still other worlds to conquer.
On Saturday, seven Dublin players will bid to write themselves into the record book as joint-holders of the most All-Ireland senior football medals.