John O'Mahony has claimed that the ability of strong counties to attract big sponsorship deals is only serving to "widen the gap" between them and the less-successful counties.

The Mayo TD and former two-time Galway All-Ireland winning manager, who has joined the Carlow footballers in an advisory capacity, told the Irish Independent: "The difference in sponsorship opportunities has a huge impact. The big counties can line up very lucrative deals that are not available to their smaller neighbours.

"That widens the gap from the start, even before you look at playing resources or anything else that goes to make up a county team."

O'Mahony is hoping his involvement with Carlow and their new manager Turlough O'Brien can bring about an improvement in their fortunes.

"I'm only in there in an advisory capacity. My role will be defined by what Turlough wants, but I suppose I can bring a bit of experience, having been involved with strong counties like Galway and Mayo and a so-called weaker county like Leitrim," he continued.

"I have always believed that smaller counties need to do things twice as well as the rest to be competitive, but if they do, then anything is possible. It's amazing what can be achieved if you get everyone - and I mean everyone - pulling together in the same direction.

"My message to the Carlow players - and to others in the same situation - is simple: you don't realise how far you can go unless you give it everything. Inch by inch, if necessary, but keep going."

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