Cavan vs Antrim - An Unlikely Ulster Semi Final

Lemlin · 18-06-2009 1:16pm #1

Anyone got the odds on the game? I'm hoping that Antrim will be favourites.

This one is too close to call for me. My heart says Cavan but my head says Antrim are going to be very hard to beat with the momentum they have now.

As I mentioned on another thread, they won the Tommy Murphy last year, Division 4 this year and have now beaten Donegal. They also have several players from St Gauls and UUJ who are used to big matches and big occasions.

Cavan, on the other hand, struggled through Division 3 and finished just above relegation. The win against Fermanagh will help but Fermanagh beat themselves that day IMO. The county champions, Cavan Gaels, have pretty much dominated the county championship over the last few years but have made no real in-roads in Ulster. Nothing like St Gauls have done anyway.

Cavan did beat Antrim last year down in Casement but alot of things have changed since then and Antrim have got more than their fair share of decent results against Cavan in the past few years.

I'd be interested in hearing what others think? Either way, it's great to think that we'll have an unfamiliar face in the Ulster final again this year after Fermanagh's run last year. It really adds a bit of romance to the championship.

Crash Bang Wall · 18-06-2009 4:33pm

Will be very close but I would fear for either team in an Ulster Final against Tyrone or Derry.

I would imagine that Antrim would be a more physical team than Cavan but the pitch in Clones will (hopefully!!) suit Cavan better.Also I would expect Johnston Reilly Mackey & Co to be a bit more accurate than Donegal with their 17 wides.

Should be a decent game and I dont think there will as much synical spoiling tactics that may be seen in this weekends semi final

Lemlin · 19-06-2009 7:28am

Crash Bang Wall wrote: »

Will be very close but I would fear for either team in an Ulster Final against Tyrone or Derry.

I would imagine that Antrim would be a more physical team than Cavan but the pitch in Clones will (hopefully!!) suit Cavan better.Also I would expect Johnston Reilly Mackey & Co to be a bit more accurate than Donegal with their 17 wides.

Should be a decent game and I dont think there will as much synical spoiling tactics that may be seen in this weekends semi final

To be honest I don't think either team will be worrying about the Ulster final yet and both sides would be happy enough just to get there at present.

I noticed Cavan had alot better workrate under Carr against Fermanagh and were hassling the opposition players more. Niall Lynch is doing alot of the training with them and he's been highly successful with Virginia Vocational School (two All Ireland Vocational School Championships in a row).

The main thing teams need to do is make themselves difficult to play against and that's what Antrim and Cavan are succeeding at this year. In many ways, they are years behind the other Ulster teams who started that a long time ago.

blackbelt · 19-06-2009 11:18am

I think Cavan will sneak it.Granted they don't have the accolades of the St Galls players or UUJ but I don't think it matters when it comes to intercounty level.

Even when these two teams were at their worst,I would have rated Cavan higher.

Whoever wins will probably be canon fodder for Tyrone or Derry.

Crash Bang Wall · 19-06-2009 11:23am

Thats exactly my worry......A hiding in an Ulster Final wouldnt do either team any good at all. 2 steps forward this year followed by 2 steps back after something like that.
Im from Cavan but if Antrim were to win I would be cheering them on in the Ulster Final, but would just fear for either team against either Derry or Tyrone

Lemlin · 21-06-2009 10:23am

I think either team could give Tyrone or Derry a decent enough match. Ulster football is usually fairly tight. Both counties are on the up and hungry for success and would be full of confidence going into the final.

RocketRonnie · 21-06-2009 1:26pm

Cavan are 8/15 fav's... i think it will be a lot closer than the betting suggests! Still think Cavan will sneak it thou!!
Seanie Johnston - Best Corner-forward in Ireland...????

Lemlin · 22-06-2009 7:15am

RocketRonnie wrote: »

Cavan are 8/15 fav's... i think it will be a lot closer than the betting suggests! Still think Cavan will sneak it thou!!
Seanie Johnston - Best Corner-forward in Ireland...????

What odds are Antrim?

Johnston has a long way to go to be the best corner forward in Ireland. Paddy Bradley, Gooch Cooper, Alan Brogan and Stephen McDonnell are all better forwards for example. There are many others I can't think of.

RocketRonnie · 22-06-2009 2:22pm

Lemlin wrote: »

What odds are Antrim?

Johnston has a long way to go to be the best corner forward in Ireland. Paddy Bradley, Gooch Cooper, Alan Brogan and Stephen McDonnell are all better forwards for example. There are many others I can't think of.

Antrim 15/8....

I agree he has a long way to match the consistancy and class of Gooch/McDonnell/Meehan etc. but I think on current form he is def up there with them players mentioned!!

As a nuetral, he's a joy to watch..!!

Crash Bang Wall · 22-06-2009 2:46pm

There are also 14 other players!!

The 2 wing half forwards scored 2 points from play.....Johnston got 3 from play and 2 very scorable frees. Hes not a 1 man team, although he is a very important cog of whats there at present

Crash Bang Wall · 22-06-2009 2:47pm

Lemlin wrote: »

I think either team could give Tyrone or Derry a decent enough match. Ulster football is usually fairly tight. Both counties are on the up and hungry for success and would be full of confidence going into the final.

Hope your right big guy

Lemlin · 23-06-2009 7:25am

RocketRonnie wrote: »

Antrim 15/8....

I agree he has a long way to match the consistancy and class of Gooch/McDonnell/Meehan etc. but I think on current form he is def up there with them players mentioned!!

As a nuetral, he's a joy to watch..!!

He may be a joy to watch but he can be lazy at times and needs to improve his workrate. Watching him sometimes, it's like he believes the hype that he's given in the county and forgets he has to work before he gets the ball as well as when he has it.

For example, I watched the Cavan Armagh game in Breffni last year with some Meath people and they were amazed at how he'd call for the ball but made very few runs to try and get himself in space.

Cavan are by no means a one man team. The game against Fermanagh was a team effort and it was actually Cian Mackey who got man of the match.

celt262 · 23-06-2009 10:01am

Cavan will have to come out on top at midfield which will mean the half forwards getting in for the breaks. If we do we will win.

Lemlin · 23-06-2009 3:05pm

celt262 wrote: »

Cavan will have to come out on top at midfield which will mean the half forwards getting in for the breaks. If we do we will win.

Cavan have struggled at midfield the past few years so I wouldn't be confident of this.

The half forward line is decent though which gives hope.

I still can't see how Sean Brady was good enough to win a Blue Star at midfield with UCD when they won the Dublin championship but Cavan don't want to play him at midfield.

celt262 · 23-06-2009 3:14pm

Lemlin wrote: »

Cavan have struggled at midfield the past few years so I wouldn't be confident of this.

The half forward line is decent though which gives hope.

I still can't see how Sean Brady was good enough to win a Blue Star at midfield with UCD when they won the Dublin championship but Cavan don't want to play him at midfield.

He is to small for intercounty midfield.

Lemlin · 24-06-2009 7:12am

celt262 wrote: »

He is to small for intercounty midfield.

To be honest if he could cut it in the Dublin championship, I think he's good enough for county. Also, he's proven himself better than alot of what we have.

celt262 · 24-06-2009 8:05am

Lemlin wrote: »

To be honest if he could cut it in the Dublin championship, I think he's good enough for county. Also, he's proven himself better than alot of what we have.

Are you serious, i think he is very lucky to be on the team and is one person who has alot to prove. He is there on reputation as far as im concerned, so if you can tell me where he has proven himself at this level id like to know.

He doesnt even play midfield for his club.

Lemlin · 24-06-2009 9:56am

celt262 wrote: »

Are you serious, i think he is very lucky to be on the team and is one person who has alot to prove. He is there on reputation as far as im concerned, so if you can tell me where he has proven himself at this level id like to know.

He doesnt even play midfield for his club.

As per above, Blue Star with UCD is a fairly good achievement. There are a few good midfielders plying their trade in Dublin.

That's because his club can better utilise him elsewhere. Cavan have struggled at midfield now since Stephen King went. I just think the lad should be given a good chance to see how he gets on.

celt262 · 24-06-2009 10:51am

Lemlin wrote: »

As per above, Blue Star with UCD is a fairly good achievement. There are a few good midfielders plying their trade in Dublin.

That's because his club can better utilise him elsewhere. Cavan have struggled at midfield now since Stephen King went. I just think the lad should be given a good chance to see how he gets on.

Yeah but i asked about him proving himself at this level.

Lemlin · 24-06-2009 7:55pm

celt262 wrote: »

Yeah but i asked about him proving himself at this level.

Yep but my argument is that he hasn't been given the chance to. I know its too late to try him now but I think he should have been given an extended run in the team to see how he got on. Even in the McKenna Cup.

Crash Bang Wall · 25-06-2009 9:44am

He is not a midfield player. He played there against Ramor and didnt stand out in terms of his fielding. He had a very good second half but that mainly involved picking up breaks and using the ball.

When Castlerahan won by 1-16 to 0-8 you would expect a county midfield player to dominate that area and he didnt. As a half forward picking up breaks and distributing the ball is his best role

Gallant_JJ · 25-06-2009 7:11pm

I have never seen Sean Brady play well in a blue shirt. For the last few years he has been consistently injured throughout the league yet always seems to get a championship stating berth. He must be a powerful man to train. Now don't get me wrong, I think he is a good footballer but not up to intercounty standard. I hope he proves me wrong saturday but I doubt it, first sub I reckon.

Lemlin · 26-06-2009 7:28am

Gallant_JJ wrote: »

I have never seen Sean Brady play well in a blue shirt. For the last few years he has been consistently injured throughout the league yet always seems to get a championship stating berth. He must be a powerful man to train. Now don't get me wrong, I think he is a good footballer but not up to intercounty standard. I hope he proves me wrong saturday but I doubt it, first sub I reckon.

He always had injury problems right up through the ranks. I think he has the quality in him to play well but just needs to bring it to intercounty level.

On another note, I'm a bit disappointed Gerald Pierson isn't starting. He could be a valuable impact sub though.

Crash Bang Wall · 26-06-2009 8:07am

Lemlin wrote: »

On another note, I'm a bit disappointed Gerald Pierson isn't starting. He could be a valuable impact sub though.

Would have Pierson in ahead of Cullivan. More mobile and definitely a bigger scoring threat to take the pressure of Jelly.

Lemlin · 26-06-2009 9:04am

Crash Bang Wall wrote: »

Would have Pierson in ahead of Cullivan. More mobile and definitely a bigger scoring threat to take the pressure of Jelly.

Maybe move Cullivan out to half forward in place of Brady and move Pierson in? I still think Cullivan's a good player who can make himself awkward with his height.

celt262 · 26-06-2009 9:21am

Lemlin wrote: »

Maybe move Cullivan out to half forward in place of Brady and move Pierson in? I still think Cullivan's a good player who can make himself awkward with his height.

I like Cullivan at Full Forward he can win hard ball and is strong in the air. Changes can be made if needed. There is a good bench there now with Lyng, Pierson, Larry, Gunner and Jason.

This is one of the strongest squads Cavan have had for years. I caught the end of Newstalks sports show yesterday evening and they analysists on it were saying that Antrim would win. Even went as far to say that cavan were useless so i hope TC was tuned in last night.

Lemlin · 26-06-2009 10:18am

celt262 wrote: »

I like Cullivan at Full Forward he can win hard ball and is strong in the air. Changes can be made if needed. There is a good bench there now with Lyng, Pierson, Larry, Gunner and Jason.

This is one of the strongest squads Cavan have had for years. I caught the end of Newstalks sports show yesterday evening and they analysists on it were saying that Antrim would win. Even went as far to say that cavan were useless so i hope TC was tuned in last night.

Let's be honest lads, Cavan are far from world beaters. Either are Antrim though and that's why we have our chance.

Alot of people are tipping Antrim and that's what I like to see. It suits Cavan better, takes a bit of the pressure off.

In my mind though, I still think Antrim could sneak it.

Is Lyng going to be fit? He really is a big loss to Cavan football. He ripped onto the scene in 2004 agianst Down but it's been heartache since.

celt262 · 26-06-2009 10:39am

Lemlin wrote: »

Let's be honest lads, Cavan are far from world beaters. Either are Antrim though and that's why we have our chance.

Alot of people are tipping Antrim and that's what I like to see. It suits Cavan better, takes a bit of the pressure off.

In my mind though, I still think Antrim could sneak it.

Is Lyng going to be fit? He really is a big loss to Cavan football. He ripped onto the scene in 2004 agianst Down but it's been heartache since.

Its a very hard game to call and wouldnt be shocked if Antirm won but i think we have enough to beat them. Im worried about our midfielders though, i dont think Galligan is up to it and lets the game pass him without getting involved. He looks afraid of making a mistake.

Lemlin · 26-06-2009 10:43am

celt262 wrote: »

Its a very hard game to call and wouldnt be shocked if Antirm won but i think we have enough to beat them. Im worried about our midfielders though, i dont think Galligan is up to it and lets the game pass him without getting involved. He looks afraid of making a mistake.

I think the same but I think the only other option is Brady. I still think he should have been tested before now. He's not an option now though so we'll just have to wait and see. Who's on the bench that can play midfield? Is it just old trustable Lorcan Mulvey again?

celt262 · 26-06-2009 11:49am

Lemlin wrote: »

I think the same but I think the only other option is Brady. I still think he should have been tested before now. He's not an option now though so we'll just have to wait and see. Who's on the bench that can play midfield? Is it just old trustable Lorcan Mulvey again?

David Givney but he isnt the finished article yet either. I supose Cullivan could play there if needed.

Would u give up on Brady for midfield Lemlin :P

NicheG · 26-06-2009 12:32pm

Does anyone know if this is an all ticket match? I think it could be a cracker. Planning on driving to Clones on Sat night (from Dublin) and hopefully pay at the turnstiles.

blackbelt · 26-06-2009 12:38pm

NicheG wrote: »

Does anyone know if this is an all ticket match? I think it could be a cracker. Planning on driving to Clones on Sat night (from Dublin) and hopefully pay at the turnstiles.

Don't think it will be too much of a problem.Cavan support is dreadful.You'll get in no bother.Get a stand ticket and put your feet up.;):D

Crash Bang Wall · 27-06-2009 11:00am

NicheG wrote: »

Does anyone know if this is an all ticket match? I think it could be a cracker. Planning on driving to Clones on Sat night (from Dublin) and hopefully pay at the turnstiles.

Gerry Arthur stand is all ticket......other stand and terraces are pay at the gate

DB10 · 27-06-2009 11:18am

I'm glad Lyng isn't playing. Him being out injured half the time makes people overrate his impact. Let him perform with his club and then see if he has a chance.

On Brady and Cullivan: I expect big games from them tonight and they will show people why they are worthy of a starting place.

Lemlin · 27-06-2009 11:39am

DB10 wrote: »

I'm glad Lyng isn't playing. Him being out injured half the time makes people overrate his impact. Let him perform with his club and then see if he has a chance.

On Brady and Cullivan: I expect big games from them tonight and they will show people why they are worthy of a starting place.

He could be a good impact sub to have. It's a pity he's lost some of his speed.

I hope the lads give a good game. All the papers are tipping Antrim to sneak it from what I've seen.

DB10 · 27-06-2009 11:51am

If we are undogs against Antrim, we will be underdogs for the rest of the year..:p

cruiserweight · 27-06-2009 6:39pm

Antrim on top for most of the first half, but only a point up at half time. They could live to regret the chances that they have missed, especially the one on one goal chance where Reilly made a decent save, that would have put them 6 or 7 points up.

Cormac2791 · 27-06-2009 6:47pm

'mon the saffrons!

cruiserweight · 27-06-2009 7:29pm

Horrible game. Well done to Antrim though, the much better team today

Orizio · 27-06-2009 9:23pm

Scoreline?

cruiserweight · 27-06-2009 9:27pm

Orizio wrote: »

Scoreline?

Antrim won by 3 points, Antrim 0-13 Cavan 1-07

DB10 · 27-06-2009 9:29pm

Antrim need to learn how to play football and not all out defense.

davestar · 27-06-2009 9:30pm

DB10 wrote: »

If we are undogs against Antrim, we will be underdogs for the rest of the year..:p

underdogs for the rest of the year

enjoy :P:D ....

Orizio · 27-06-2009 9:33pm

DB10 wrote: »

Antrim Ulster/Connacht/Leinster teams need to learn how to play football and not all out defense.

Far better.

davestar · 27-06-2009 9:38pm

Orizio wrote: »

Far better.

the current all_ireland chamions are from ulster , don't see anything wrong with it if it works .

DB10 · 27-06-2009 9:48pm

Thats two games in a row we have played against all out defenses not interested in playing football.

davestar · 27-06-2009 9:50pm

DB10 wrote: »

Thats two games in a row we have played against all out defenses not interested in playing football.

not interested in playing football yet they bet ye ???

DB10 · 27-06-2009 9:51pm

Orizio wrote: »

Far better.

Nobody really cares about Munster football at all. The winner of Cork vs Kerry wins it every year. So one midly interesting match and then boredom for the token replay.

DB10 · 27-06-2009 9:55pm

davestar wrote: »

not interested in playing football yet they bet ye ???

Its hard playing against 12 defenders.

cruiserweight · 27-06-2009 9:58pm

TBH I doubt if any Antrim supporter cares how they got to the final, they are in their first Ulster final in donkeys years and that is all they will care about.

davestar · 27-06-2009 9:59pm

DB10 wrote: »

Its hard playing against 12 defenders.

a half decent cavan team would have rectified that problem , any decent team would and you'll see that in the ulster final . Antrim have been the worst team in ulster football in years , don't be a bad loser db10 . ye would have beeb mauled by tyrone in the final anyways , look at the bright side ; qualifiers

Cavan vs Antrim - An Unlikely Ulster Semi Final

Comments