The Official Cavan GAA Discussion thread.

Mr. Wong

Lemlin wrote: »

The Kildare game came far too early for our lads and I think the media attention and whole spectacle of the day got to them. Terry made a few mistakes as well - playing 18 year old Killian Clark on O'Connor for example. It was just a day better resigned to memory.

The game was well lost when SJ entered the fray. I think most Cavan supporters took solace in the fact that Kildare are 5/6 years into their programme under management and we are only starting ours.

Our lads are carrying through the success to senior already though. David Givney for example has won Sigerson and Railway Cup medals this year already. Martin Reilly and Jack Brady also have Sigerson medals.

Have Kildare won anything at underage level? I know Wexford won Leinster in 11 because Cavan beat them in the semi and Dublin won it last year. I also don't recall seeing too much of them at minor.

Tomás O'Connor is the last man you would want to mark on your debut.

We have a pretty poor record at underage level. 1991 was the last minor title in Leinster. Our U21s have far more success in recent years including a Leinster title in 2004 and an AI final appearance in 2008.

Anyway, best of luck in the year ahead, at all levels.

Hammar

Lemlin wrote: »

I do think the U21s could have helped that night, particularly Jack Brady. Our forward line was lacking and we had little to bring off the bench. Whenever I see Niall Murray on the pitch, I get worried!

It would have been far better IMO if someone like Brady had started and Barry Reilly was sprung off the bench.

That said, the whole gameplan went out the window when Reilly got his marching orders.

We still have some talented forwards like Niall Smith and Kevin Tierney to come back into the panel from injury.

We do have a good selection of forwards when everyone is available
Cian Mackey,Martin Reily,Barry Reily,Mark McKeever, Niall McDermott,Jack Brady,Martin Dunne, Eugene Keating,Niall Smith,Kevin Tierney,Declan McKiernan and potentially David Givney if he is going to be played in the forwards. That is alot of competition for 6 places. I believe Tierney got injured again playing for Ballyhaise so i don't know if he will be available for the Roscommon game.

Lads I think we can write off Rory Dunne's chances of being our first choice full back this year. He hasn't played enough football. Likewise Kevin Tierney. McEnroe will now be first choice I would think and Clarke might slot in at corner back with Minagh in the other corner.
Jack Brady is a certain Senior Starter once the U21 season is over and Feargal Flanagan won't be far away. Unless we get a good U21 run going and someone emerges as a star (unlikely) then I think those 3 are the only ones that will be in contention for a starting place come Championship time. McLoughlin has the makings of a very good corner back but he is much much too light to be sending out against Armagh.

termon8r

Tom Joad wrote: »

It's our second home - i'd say our win percentage in Brewster is fairly impressive..

delighted we are back in brewster. good memories there over the last few years with the under21 games. i think there is a special atmosphere in brewster under lights.

Lemlin

Hammar wrote: »

One other point i also want to make is that the constant switching of David Givney between,Full forward,Centre Forward and Midfield is negatively affecting his game. Now i understand there is some thinking that Givney and McKiernan are too alike to play together,and Mossy Corr has been outstanding this year,but Hyland needs to sort out a position for Givney and let him get a run of games there.

I agree to some extent. Eugene Keating has probably given Terry a big selection headache. Until he returned, there was a position for Givney at full forward. I trust in Terry to make the right decision but it does confuse me sometimes that McKiernan starts at midfield ahead of Givney. I think Corr is needed for his defensive attributes and sheer physical presence so only one of Givney/McKiernan can play there. To be honest, I wouldn't mind seeing McKiernan tried out in the half forward line and let Givney play midfield. If he's good enough to start for Ulster at midfield, incidentally ahead of McKiernan, surely he's good enough for us. McKiernan moved to the half forwards against Fermanagh last year and played well and he also started on the senior team in the half forwards. I'd like to see him start ahead of Martin Reilly who, despite a good showing apparently on Sunday, I just don't rate.

Last Sunday's game doesn't appear to have gone well for either Givney or Keating but, in fairness, apparently Cavan played into the wind in the second half so trying to bomb high balls forward into the forward line wasn't going to work. It appears that Terry made the right decision to bring on Ronan Flanagan and Meehan, lads who are small, quick and capable of running with the ball.

KeepTheFaith wrote: »

Lads I think we can write off Rory Dunne's chances of being our first choice full back this year. He hasn't played enough football. Likewise Kevin Tierney. McEnroe will now be first choice I would think and Clarke might slot in at corner back with Minagh in the other corner.
Jack Brady is a certain Senior Starter once the U21 season is over and Feargal Flanagan won't be far away. Unless we get a good U21 run going and someone emerges as a star (unlikely) then I think those 3 are the only ones that will be in contention for a starting place come Championship time. McLoughlin has the makings of a very good corner back but he is much much too light to be sending out against Armagh.

Dunne's injuries are unfortunate but he just can't get a run of games at all. That said, I think we approaching a settled backline as you point out. A half back line of McCutcheon, Clarke and O'Reilly/Hayes looks particularly strong to me. Then you'd have Clarke, McEnroe and Minagh in the full back line. For support on the bench then you've the likes of Fergal Flanagan, McLoughlin and Ronan Flanagan, not to mention Damien Barkey. He's a player we've seen very little of this year but I thought he was one of our better backs in the League last year.

In regard to the U21s, Turloc Mooney from Redhills looks like he could be an addition to the senior team.

Lemlin

The U21 game is actually in the Athletic Grounds in Armagh. I was wrong about Brewster.

Tom Joad

Lemlin wrote: »

The U21 game is actually in the Athletic Grounds in Armagh. I was wrong about Brewster.

Pity it's not in Brewster as Athletic Grounds are harder to get to and Brewster has been a happy hunting ground for us but it won't affect the outcome of the game.

Any idea of how good this Down is -I'd imagine Cavan will be bookies favourites!

Syferus

Down beat an Armagh team made up of Armagh minor teams that got to AIQFs in 2010 and 2011 and were desperately unlucky to lose to Cork with a sucker punch last second goal and to us (Roscommon) after extra-time respectively.

celt262

Syferus wrote: »

Down beat an Armagh team made up of Armagh minor teams that got to AIQFs in 2010 and 2011 and were desperately unlucky to lose to Cork with a sucker punch last second goal and to us (Roscommon) after extra-time respectively.

That means nothing.

Lemlin

celt262 wrote: »

That means nothing.

I'd agree. You constantly see people refer to bookies' odds etc. in relation to U21s. Even the bookies don't seem to have a clue!

Tyrone were favourites for Ulster and were soundly beaten by Donegal in the first round.

Lemlin

Big game against Down tonight in Armagh. To make 4 Ulster finals in a row at this grade would be some achievement.

Tom Joad

Lemlin wrote: »

Big game against Down tonight in Armagh. To make 4 Ulster finals in a row at this grade would be some achievement.

Would be a tremendous achievement alright - lets hope they can do it tonight..

Anyone read Hannon's piece in this week's Celt? Looks like a lot of faith and resources are behind this Down outfit, Niall Moyna involved too. Wish the game was in Enniskillen. We have no form either in Armagh or against Down. This is a huge, huge test. Best of luck to all involved.

Lemlin

Team lines out the same as the Monaghan game.

Lemlin

Cavan leading 1-9 to 0-5. Were further ahead but Down are coming back into it.

Lemlin

Cavan win 1-12 to 6 points. Fantastic result. 4 Ulster finals in a row at this level. Some achievement.

Tom Joad

Absolutely delighted for the lads - Cavan in 4 Ulster finals in a row - who would have thunk it!!!

Bring on the 3 in a row - COYBIB

Lemlin

Tom Joad wrote: »

Absolutely delighted for the lads - Cavan in 4 Ulster finals in a row - who would have thunk it!!!

Bring on the 3 in a row - COYBIB

We can't look past Donegal but this has to be seen as a golden generation of Cavan footballers and it'd be great to see them deliver an All-Ireland.

Excellent result for the lads. They could have benefited more from a hard game but you can only beat what's put in front of you. Donegal in the final will be dangerous, they must be respected as much as anyone else but if we go out and do ourselves justice there is no reason we can't lift a 3rd title in a row. There seems to be something about this team. We have no visible weaknesses from 1-15 and we have great options off the bench, lads that are as good as those starting. Defensively we are excellent, very disciplined tackling from everyone, lads willing to put their bodies on the line. Up front Enda O'Reilly has a real touch of class and Paul O'Connor is a very industrious full forward.

For me, this is the best overall team that we have produced at U21 level. With some lads going for their 3rd Ulster Title on the bounce, I'm sure the thought of capturing an All Ireland has become the target.
But this is an unpredictable and unforgiving age group. Favourites tags mean nothing and nobody can, and I'm sure nobody will, look past Donegal. Whatever happens from here on in, to win 10 out of 11 games in Ulster is an amazing feat by players, management and all those that were involved in sorting out our youth structure.

Tom Joad

There is no doubt that there is something special about this bunch of lads - had the pleasure of watching them train a few times and they are so dedicated and committed to the jersey its a joy to watch. I read that Michael Hannon article in the celt which shows the level of preparation that goes into the team and that's what's needed to succeed. A huge amount of credit must go to everyone involved in the underage structures - they literally torn apart what was there and rebuilt it again.

Huge credit must also go to the money men in Cavan GAA - I know that Kingspan have been a great supporter of Cavan GAA over a long time but it is great to see the facilities that are in Breffni esp and that's been a huge help in preparing this team. We are actually in a good financial space unlike a lot of counties and have a tremendous facility in Breffni - which has now been recognised by HQ with the rules series coming.

Donegal are a very good team at this level but we have a great chance. I would love to see this team get to Croke Park again because the last time they didn't do justice to themselves.

I've always said that a winning mentality is needed in Cavan football and these lads have it in spades. For the last ten years Cavan at senior level have folded in big games or in tight situations - you never fancied Cavan to mount a comeback. Bringing these young lads into the senior team will help change that mentality.

For me the senior team needs to beat Armagh come championship time - forget about league promotion and all that - Armagh is the big one to show that we are on a upward trajectory, followed by a good run in the championship/ qualifiers.

I don't think we are that far off at Senior level - yes we have a couple of positions we need to sort out - priority for me being Keeper/ finding the best position for Givney/ settling on a full-back/ finding the correct balance at wing-back wing-forward position.

celt262

Tom Joad wrote: »

We are actually in a good financial space unlike a lot of counties

I'm afraid that is not true there is a big loan to be paid back .

Tom Joad

celt262 wrote: »

I'm afraid that is not true there is a big loan to be paid back .

That's true but we have

1. A fine stadium that needs no major work for the forseeable future (compare that with some of counties not too far away - Meath, Louth, Kildare for instance);

2. Great facilities in Breffni Park for the teams - having the 3G pitch alone is off massive benefit;

3. A committed sponsor who is bucking the recession trend and doing very well.

Yes we have loans to pay back but relatively speaking we are doing well, don't have a massive debt and have good facilities - put it this way we won't need a dig out from Croke Park anytime soon. I know things can change and unforeseen things can happen but we're doing good now..

Lemlin

Team named for tomorrow:

@CavanCoBoardGaa: JReilly.KBrady.PReilly.RFlanagan.RDunne.JMcEnroe.JMcCutcheon.GMcKiernan.DMcKiernan.MReilly.CMackey.MMcKeever.MDunne.NMcDermott.EKeating.

Givney left out due to a knock. Not sure where Mossy Corr isn't starting.

I think Terry is using the last game for a bit of experimentation tbh.

Tom Joad

Lemlin wrote: »

Team named for tomorrow:

@CavanCoBoardGaa: JReilly.KBrady.PReilly.RFlanagan.RDunne.JMcEnroe.JMcCutcheon.GMcKiernan.DMcKiernan.MReilly.CMackey.MMcKeever.MDunne.NMcDermott.EKeating.

Givney left out due to a knock. Not sure where Mossy Corr isn't starting.

I think Terry is using the last game for a bit of experimentation tbh.

A bit of experimentation is spot on - obviously he hasn't settled on the backs yet - will be interesting to see how Podge does at number 3 (if he starts there of course - esp with Rory Dunne named.)

Lemlin

Tom Joad wrote: »

A bit of experimentation is spot on - obviously he hasn't settled on the backs yet - will be interesting to see how Podge does at number 3 (if he starts there of course - esp with Rory Dunne named.)

I actually see on the Official Cavan GAA page that Corr and Alan Clarke are injured.

I don't think Podge will start at full back. I'd expect Dunne or McEnroe to go to full back, Podge go to the corner and Flanagan move out to the half backs.

I'm not sure about Declan McKiernan at midfield. I've never been a fan of his. He's shocking awkward but then, in fairness, ya need one skilful player and one workhorse at midfield so maybe that's why he's in there.

cavan4sam

best of luck today
an antrim and fermanagh win would be nice too !!!!
wont make it today but i'm sure i'll get another history lesson from michael tynan

Lemlin

cavan4sam wrote: »

best of luck today
an antrim and fermanagh win would be nice too !!!!
wont make it today but i'm sure i'll get another history lesson from michael tynan

Go to the anglocelt.ie. live blog on the game there is decent.

Interesting post from the blog:



The Anglo Celt 72 pts
Cavan (and their approximate ages): James Reilly (32), Killian Brady (21), Padraic O'Reilly (26), Ronan Flanagan (26), Rory Dunne (24), James McEnroe (24), John McCutcheon (26), Gearoid McKiernan (23), Declan McKiernan (24), Martin Reilly (26), Cian Mackey (25), Mark McKeever (29), Martin Dunne (24), Niall McDermott (23), Eugene Keating (24).

Tom Joad

Didn't make the game today due to family commitments. While I never thought that Cavan would get promotion didn't expect a hiding - anyone at the game with an overview of what happened?

Overall happy enough with the league performance - a strange league given that I thought we didn't have a prayer with Meath and Monaghan relegated last year - amazing that we tanked both of them and they both still got promoted.

Anyway onwards and upwards - looking forward to Brewster on Wednesday...

Lemlin

Tom Joad wrote: »

Didn't make the game today due to family commitments. While I never thought that Cavan would get promotion didn't expect a hiding - anyone at the game with an overview of what happened?

Overall happy enough with the league performance - a strange league given that I thought we didn't have a prayer with Meath and Monaghan relegated last year - amazing that we tanked both of them and they both still got promoted.

Anyway onwards and upwards - looking forward to Brewster on Wednesday...

I didn't make the game either but apparently the lads were very poor.

I didn't expect us to go up and to consolidate our position in Division 3 is good enough for me. We're moving towards a settled starting 15 which is a huge bonus too.

All in all, I'm pleased with the progress being made. Today was poor but then it was a bit of a weird situation - players knew we wouldn't go up and there was a bit of experimentation from management.

celt262

It was the worst performance i have seen in a long time.

Left the game with 8 minutes to go i couldn't look at it any longer.