On Sunday, Mayo will play in the 11th All-Ireland final (including replays) of James Horan's lifetime. Two of those games were played during his reign as manager. Few have as intimate a kin with this group of Mayo players as the Ballintubber man.
Horan will spend the game working as a Sky Sports analyst. He's watched many a Mayo game in the same role since stepping down as manager three years ago.
At heart, Horan is a Mayo supporter, his history with the players adds an extra level of emotional attachment. He knows how much they want to end the county's title famine.
Horan says it can be 'awful' watching games in the studio, 'particularly the way some of the games have been.'
It's very tough because I'm just a supporter the same as anyone else. I suppose I have a strong link with that team having spent years with them. You're just wishing them well, some of the games have been very difficult to watch for any supporters.
Of course, along with the rollercoaster that is being a Mayo fan, Horan also has to analyse the games.
You're trying to stay balanced and you're trying to stay focused; remember the big issues without too much of a bias. In your own mind you can be contradicting yourself or trying to balance it up.
It can be difficult, you're out in the front trying to watch the game then running into the screen to see the replay to make sure you get all the detail. There's a lot going on but as long as I'm there watching them somehow, I'm happy enough.
Picture credit; Damien Eagers/SPORTSFiLE
Sky Sports analyst James Horan will be in studio at Croke Park this weekend as Dublin and Mayo battle it out in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final, shown live on Sky Sports Arena from 2.30pm.
