Official Cavan GAA Thread

[BallyhaiseMan]

well Ray McCarron has left them....
not sure who is managing them...

any team with the likes of The Hannons, Edward Jackson, Keith Fannin,Michael McDonald and Jim McNally will be tough though...
Expect them to be in contention for promotion from div 2 and the Intermediate CHampionship.

[Homer]

Would agree alright that it will probably be Ballinagh, Ballyhaise and Drumgoon in the shake up for Intermediate this year. We'll probably start as slight favourites but that has never helped us. If Drumgoon get goin this year I reckon they'll be very hard stopped. Seems Lavey will be missing Sean Maguire (injured) and Joey Jordan (abroad, well in Wales) for a considerable part of the season but if they're around come championship, they'll be in contention too.

[BallyhaiseMan]

i think Baileborough under Vincent Kelly could be suprise packages they had a very good under 21 team last year....combined with the older heads, they could ruffle some feathers......
As you said Homer, Lavey and i might add Drumlane and Drung may also have a shot...cant see any other teams winning it.

[cavanmaniac]

Big write up on Cavan in the Irish News there on Saturday. May I present for your reading pleasure:

++++++++++

Anthony Forde has seen more ups than downs during his lengthy inter-county career with Cavan. He tells Paul McConville why the Breffni players have to step up to the plate and turn the county's fortunes around...

DONAL Keoghan may be the latest in a long line of Cavan managers hoping to awaken Ulster's sleeping giant, but Anthony Forde believes the new regime will not just be another foot-note in the county's history.

A flurry of short-term successors to Martin McHugh, the last to bring tangible success to the county in the form of an Ulster title in 1997, preceded Liam Austin's appointment in 1998.

Val Andrews, Mattie Kerrigan, Eamonn Coleman and Martin McElkennon all followed, but enjoyed varying fortunes without ever revisiting the heights McHugh reached.

Anthony Forde has played under all of those since coming on to the panel in 1995.

He has witnessed first hand the ups and downs of Cavan football, particularly in recent years when clashes between players and management have hit the headlines and last year's failure to gain promotion from Division Two set the tone for a frustrating Championship.

But the Cavan Gaels veteran is frank in his assessment of recent disappointments.

"We have gone through a lot of managers, but at the end of the day, players have got to look at themselves," said Forde.

"You can have all the managers in the world and all the theories in the world, but at the end of the day it comes down to 'once you cross the white line...' That's the crucial thing," he said.

"We're the people that have let the county down over the last few years. There's no doubt about that. We can't get away from that fact. You can cloud it over and say 'this manager and that manager'. But, at the end of the day, the buck stops with the players and we have to take responsibility for that."

While insisting that the current crop of players do need to stand up and be counted, Forde also believes there is a more long-term solution to the county's problems.

A year after making his senior debut, Forde was part of the Cavan team which won the Ulster U21 title and reached the All-Ireland final, only to lose out to Kerry.

Many promising young players have pulled on the blue jersey since then, but the county have failed to convert those individual talents into team triumphs, something Forde believes is necessary if they are to challenge the top teams again.

Last year's League and Championship campaigns may have been blighted by injuries, but the Cavan Gaels veteran believes the problem lies deeper.

"If you look at the players we have at our disposal, you can talk about injuries. But at the end of the day, everybody has injuries. Realistically, for Cavan to be successful, we do need success at underage level," he said.

"If you look at any team worth their salt, the likes of Tyrone, Armagh, they've had success at underage level and they have a strong underage structure.

"We haven't been able to make that breakthrough over the last few years.

"In 1996, we won an U21 Championship and that was the basis of our success for 1997. So I think, realistically, we need to look it at long-term.

"But in the short term, we have good young players coming through and it's important that we mould them in during the course of the League.

"We have to gel them in and that's one of our roles as senior players to do that."

Keoghan is also looking long-term. Promotion from Division 2A may be a top priority for Cavan this year, but they need to achieve a consistency in performance which was lacking last year.

Although they only lost two of their NFL games last year, the second of those defeats to Waterford was seen as the low point in the county's recent past.

Forde admits they were "too complacent" before the clash with the Decies.

He is also adamant that such a performance is something they will not be allowed to repeat under the new regime, who will insist on a stronger team approach this time.

"It's probably something we have been lacking. We have had the individuals, there's no doubt about that. Maybe to gel that into county football has been that bit more difficult for the managers there," said Forde.

"But we've not better man involved than Paul Grimley this year. He comes with a very strong team work ethic from his days in Armagh. If there's anybody that's going to be able to break the mould for ourselves, then he's the man to do it

"It's a learning curve for us, it's a learning curve for him and we're trying to make progress every time we go out."

Cavan started last year's League campaign as hot favourites for promotion to the top flight.

Even a first day defeat to Louth didn't derail them as they then won their next five matches, admittedly making hard work for themselves in all of those games.

In the end, it was points difference which proved their undoing after that now infamous defeat to Waterford.

Louth and Westmeath have been replaced by Meath and Limerick in Division 2B and Forde feels promotion is now a tougher task than it was, especially as many of the other counties may fancy themselves against a

perceived wounded animal in Cavan.

"It's a tough group. You have the likes of Meath who have come down and have a new manager as well," said Forde.

"You have the likes of Wicklow, who are going well in the O'Byrne Cup and Micko has brought a new freshness to them.

"You have a lot of teams that are there that are biting at the bit, so our work is going to be cut out.

"We're under no illusions about that and people are probably looking at us as maybe not as much a threat as we once were.We need to earn that respect again."

But one thing Forde can guarantee is that the effort levels won't be called into question this year. Cavan is a proud footballing county with no shortage of opinions.

Winning the hearts and minds is one challenge facing Forde and his team-mates, a task he feels they're up to.

"Hopefully success will come for Cavan football. The county is craving for it, the supporters are and I know the players are," he said.

"Whether that happens this year or not, remains to be seen. But it won't be for the want of trying, certainly from players or management," he said.



ONES TO WATCH

CAVAN will be hoping the potential of the likes of Cian Mackey, Sean Brady and Lorcan Mulvey bears fruit this year.

But the McKenna Cup threw up another couple of up-and-coming names to refresh the panel.

Swanlinbar clubman Michael Cunningham has made an immediate impact since being drafted onto panel this year. He starred in his club's Cavan Junior Championship win in 2006 and impressed on his senior county debut, scoring 0-3 in the McKenna Cup win over Derry.

The wing-forward has been a prolific scorer for his club, but his high work-rate is another stand-out quality.

Crosserlough's Jonathan Crowe is another who can make a name for himself this year. The wing-back did not look overawed by the recent visit of Tyrone to Breffni Park and even bagged himself a point late on.



NFL SQUAD

NFL focus - CAVAN



(Provisional)

James Reilly (Drung), Eoghan Elliott (Cavan Gaels), Colm Anderson (Cuchullains), Anthony Forde (Cavan Gaels), Anthony Gaynor (Ballinagh, Anton Reilly (Ramor Utd), Barry Kelly (Ballyhaise), Cian Mackey (Castlerahan), Ciaran Galligan (Drung), Darren Rabbitt (Cavan Gaels, Nicholas Walsh (Cavan Gaels), Sean Johnston (Cavan Gaels), Eamon Reilly (Cavan Gaels), Dermot McCabe (Gowna), Declan McCabe (Crosserlough), Donal Thomas (Killygarry), Gerald Pierson (Gowna), Jason O'Reilly (Belturbet), Jonathon Crowe (Crosserlough), Keith Fannin (Drumgoon), Larry Reilly (Knockbride), Lorcan Mulvey (Butlersbridge), Mark McKeever (Gowna, Martin Cahill (Denn), Martin Reilly (Killygarry), Michael Brennan (Drumalee, Michael Cunningham (Swanlinbar), Michael McDonald (Drumgoon), Michael Hannon (Drumgoon), Pauric O'Reilly (Ballinagh), Sean Brady (Castlerahan, Thomas Corr (Denn), Thomas Wakely (Kingscourt), Rory Gallagher (Crosserlough), Ray Cullivan (Ballyhaise), Michael Lyng (Cavan Gaels, left), Alan Clarke (Kingscourt), Ronan Flanagan (Castlerahan), Enda McCormack (Drumalee), Paul Brady (Mullahoran)

• Panel is subject to alteration before Cavan's first NFL match

• The captain will be named when the NFL squad is finalised



2006 RESULTS

National Football League Division 2B

Cavan 0-10 Louth 2-9

Wicklow 1-12 Cavan 1-13

Cavan 0-13 Tipperary 1-9

Sligo 2-9 Cavan 1-15

Cavan 0-16 Antrim 2-9

Westmeath 0-6 Cavan 0-11

Cavan 1-9 Waterford 0-14



Ulster Senior Football Championship

Preliminary round: Down 1-13 Cavan 0-11



All-Ireland SFC

Round One Qualifier: Kildare 1-18 Cavan 1-13



2007 FIXTURES

National Football League Division 2B

February 3: Meath (a)

February 10: Wicklow (h)

February 25: Tipperary (a)

March 10: Sligo (h)

March 24: Antrim (a)

April 1: Wexford (h)

April 7: Waterford (a)

April 15: Division Two semi-finals

April 22: Division Two final



Ulster Senior Football Championship

Sunday May 13, Preliminary round: Cavan v Down (Breffni Park)



THE VERDICT

IN between an opening day defeat to eventual Division Two champions Louth and that loss to Waterford, Cavan won five out of five of their matches in Division 2B last year.

Having been heavily tipped for promotion, they were pipped on points difference by Westmeath, oddly enough the team they recorded their biggest win over in the division.

But that five-point triumph over the Midlanders was not typical of their scoring returns, they beat Wicklow, Tipperary and Antrim by just a single point and only had three to spare over Sligo.

A county with the attacking wealth of the Breffni men should be racking up bigger totals and that is the key to their promotion hopes this year.

Whatever happened against Waterford, the stark truth is that they scored just 1-9 against the worst defence in the National League.

Scores on the board are key, as was evident when Antrim came storming back in the League tie at Breffni Park last year.

Their attacking prowess should be greatly enhanced by ex-Fermanagh star Rory Gallagher and the return of Michael Lyng for the latter part of the League.

However, Seanie Johnston and Gerald Pierson will still represent the Breffnimen's greatest scoring outlets.

The role of Dermot McCabe (right) is crucial.

The Gowna man's presence at midfield is a huge influence, but he is equally effective at full-forward. If Donal Keoghan decides to opt for the latter, a lot may rest on the young shoulders of Lorcan Mulvey at centrefield.

Another conundrum for Keoghan is the correct positioning of Mark McKeever.

McKeever showed against Tyrone in the McKenna Cup that he is a capable centre-back.

But he could provide the leadership needed in attack in a centre-forward role.

Arguably, Division 2B is tougher this year with Meath and Limerick the relegated teams. However, if Cavan can click as a team, and if their forwards can be more ruthless with their finishing, a top two-finish is possible.

[BallyhaiseMan]

Provisional)

James Reilly (Drung), Eoghan Elliott (Cavan Gaels), Colm Anderson (Cuchullains), Anthony Forde (Cavan Gaels), Anthony Gaynor (Ballinagh, Anton Reilly (Ramor Utd), Barry Kelly (Ballyhaise), Cian Mackey (Castlerahan), Ciaran Galligan (Drung), Darren Rabbitt (Cavan Gaels, Nicholas Walsh (Cavan Gaels), Sean Johnston (Cavan Gaels), Eamon Reilly (Cavan Gaels), Dermot McCabe (Gowna), Declan McCabe (Crosserlough), Donal Thomas (Killygarry), Gerald Pierson (Gowna), Jason O'Reilly (Belturbet), Jonathon Crowe (Crosserlough), Keith Fannin (Drumgoon), Larry Reilly (Knockbride), Lorcan Mulvey (Butlersbridge), Mark McKeever (Gowna, Martin Cahill (Denn), Martin Reilly (Killygarry), Michael Brennan (Drumalee, Michael Cunningham (Swanlinbar), Michael McDonald (Drumgoon), Michael Hannon (Drumgoon), Pauric O'Reilly (Ballinagh), Sean Brady (Castlerahan, Thomas Corr (Denn), Thomas Wakely (Kingscourt), Rory Gallagher (Crosserlough), Ray Cullivan (Ballyhaise), Michael Lyng (Cavan Gaels, left), Alan Clarke (Kingscourt), Ronan Flanagan (Castlerahan), Enda McCormack (Drumalee), Paul Brady (Mullahoran)

Interesting and strong panel....
i like the fact that there are multiple midfield options available.In Galligan,Mulvey,McDonald,Thomas and Cullivan.

[cavan4ever]

Ballyhaiseman... is there any reason why barry kelly didn't feature in any of the mckenna cup games(injury??) 

Good 2 c pauric reiilly named aswell he must have changed his mind about not playing with seniors this year.

[BallyhaiseMan]

indeed cavan4ever Barry Kelly was injured throughout the McKenna Cup campaign........Hope he gets a shot at claiming a place at some stage in the NFL....

[Homer]

Good 2 c pauric reiilly named aswell he must have changed his mind about not playing with seniors this year.

As far as I know neither Podge or Gaynor are not back in (well yet anyway). I'm sure Podge will be in after sigerson football finishes up and Gaynor as soon as he gets the green light from Keoghan, but apparently he's getting the cold shoulder for now (could be wrong on that one).

[cavan4ever]

i wonder where that squad was taken from then cos it is not very accurate if what you say is true.  I heard gaynor was ringing keoghan but keoghan won't answer his calls.

[cavan4ever]

Following the challenge game with Clare in Mullingar last Sunday, the Cavan team management have announced a panel of 32 which will be involved in the national league campaign in the coming months.

It includes a mixture of youth and experience, and Cavan supporters are hoping it will be a winning blend that will bring National Football League promotion at the end of the season.

The selected panel is as follows – Anthony Forde (Cavan Gaels), Cian Mackey (Castlerahan), Ciaran Galligan (Drung), Colm Anderson (Cuchulainns), Darren Rabbitte (Cavan Gaels), Dermot McCabe (Gowna), Donal Thomas (Killygarry), Eamonn Reilly (Cavan Gaels), Rory Gallagher (Crosserlough), Gerald Pierson (Gowna), Jason Reilly, Jonathan Crowe, Keith Fannin, Larry Reilly, Lorcan Mulvey, Mark McKeever, Martin Cahill, Martin Reilly, Michael Brennan, Michael Cunningham, Micheal Lyng, Michael McDonald, Michael Hannon, Nicholas Walsh, Ronan Flanagan, Sean Brady, Sean Johnston, Dermot Sheridan, Paul Brady, Ray Cullivan, Enda McCormick, James Reilly.



This is from the hoganstand site

[The Bottom Brick]

Don't blame him, Gaynor shouldn't have fucked off and missed a load of the hard training.

[BallyhaiseMan]

There aint a chance in hell Cavan will play against Down in May without Anthony Gaynor in the half back line.....
He will be called back in before too long,i have no doubt about that.

[Homer]

Don't blame him, Gaynor shouldn't have fucked off and missed a load of the hard training.

I can see where your coming from Bottom Brick, but when do you suggest county players take there holidays then? If they can't go away for a month, five months before the start of the championship when can they? Ballinagh were also playing football into late november too you know.

[BallyhaiseMan]

From Hoganstand

Former Fermanagh and Ulster star forward Rory Gallagher has been selected at full-forward on the Cavan side to play Meath in the NFL Division 2B first round game in Pairc Tailteann, Navan under lights on Saturday 3rd February at 7.30pm.

The side also includes a number of newcomers in attack such as former county minor star, Ray Cullivan (Ballyhaise) at wing-forward; Michael Cunningham the Swanlinbar youngster also in the half-forward line, while experienced campaigners such as Larry Reilly and Jason Reilly are listed in the subs.

Butlersbridge clubman Lorcan Mulvay partners Dermot McCabe in the midfield sector, while in defence another newcomer, Jonathan Crowe from the Crosserlough club gets a start in the half-back line after a number of impressive performances in the recent Dr. McKenna Cup campaign. Cavan Gaels team captain, Eamon Reilly has been selected in the troublesome centre-half back berth with the tenacious Keith Fannin selected at full-back.

On paper, the Cavan side looks a nice mixture of youth and experience, and the management will be hoping that the newcomers selected will give the side a freshness and edge that was missing last season, especially in the championship.

However, if they are to start their league campaign off with a win on Saturday evening a lot will be depend on how experienced campaigners such as Dermot McCabe, James Reilly and Anthony Forde perform on the night, and whether forwards of the scoring potential of Seanie Johnston, Rory Gallagher and Gerald Pierson get a good supply of the ball to put the Meath defence under pressure.

This is very much an attacking minded Cavan side selected, and if they can play to their potential on the night they have the talent and ability to trouble what is still a far from settled Meath side, and hopefully come away with a win.

Cavan team to play Meath at Pairc Tailteann, Navan on Saturday evening next in Division 2B of the national football league is; James Reilly; Anthony Forde, Keith Fannin, Martin Cahill; Paul Brady, Eamonn Reilly, Jonathan Crowe; Dermot McCabe, Lorcan Mulvey; Michael Cunningham, Mark McKeever, Ray Cullivan; Seanie Johnston, Rory Gallagher, Gerald Pierson.
Subs. Colm Anderson, Jason Reilly, Michael Hannon, Nicholas Walsh, Larry Reilly, Cian Mackey, Martin Reilly, Michael Brennan, Donal Thomas, Ciaran Galligan, Dermot Sheridan, Ronan Flanagan, Sean Brady, Darren Rabbitte

[lynchbhoy]

training since october ( this was what was said to me though I am not sure if I beleive it), word from the Cavan camp is that they are VERY impressed with Paul Grimley and his regieme