GAA Preview: Fermanagh v Cavan

A place in the final four of the Táilteann Cup is at stake when Fermanagh entertain their neighbours Cavan at Brewster Park this afternoon (4pm).

Fermanagh booked their place in the last eight with a 1-12 to 0-12 win over Longford. Ultan Kelm’s late goal proved to be decisive. 

The Ernesider’s manager Kieran Donnelly has a number of injury concerns ahead of the game. Brandon Horan is struggling to make it, Ryan Lyons is also touch and go but they are hopeful Richie O’Callaghan will make it. He failed a last minute fitness test last week but he resumed training this week.

Speaking to the Impartial Reporter about the game, Donnelly said: “Look, it is one that really focuses the mind again for the players, you know that you are going to be playing a really good team, they proved against Donegal that they can mix it at that level.

“I suppose, the first thing you look for is a home draw which is always a good thing but it is tough draw, it is a local derby and they are always competitive and close encounters and this will be no different.”

Cavan defeated Down in their opening Táilteann Cup game 0-24 to 1-12. The Mourne County’s Ruairi O’Hare scored an early goal but Cavan then took control. Goalkeeper and captain Raymond Galligan scored 0-7 (4fs, 3 45s) for the Breffni County.

Galligan told the Anglo Celt after the Down game how the team has embraced the new competition. He said: “Look, everybody has applied themselves, everybody has stuck around, everybody is taking it seriously and at the end of the day, everybody wants to play for Cavan that’s here. It’s great to see and days like today are really good for this team.”

Cavan have been boosted by the return of Oisin Kiernan, Martin Reilly and Ciaran Brady from injury. They’ve also brought in a number of the U20 side who were defeated in the Ulster Final by Tyrone.

The last time these two sides met was in Division 3 North last year with Fermanagh winning by one point. The last time they met in the Championship was in 2013 when Cavan won both their Ulster and qualifier ties.

Deniese is a freelance sports journalist/broadcaster. She has worked for several local and national media outlets. GAA and soccer are her great loves and she also follows rugby league and snooker. She's a big supporter of her local clubs St. Mary's GAA Granard and Longford Town. She also follows Celtic, Liverpool and Leeds Rhinos. She presented and produced a popular sports podcast last year where she interviewed Ray Houghton, Chris Kamara and John Hartson. Deniese is currently Head of Communications for Boccia Ireland

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