Saturday, 15 June – All-Ireland SFC Round 3

Group 2: Kerry v Meath

Venue: Glenisk O’Connor Park, Tullamore
Throw-in: 4.15pm
TV: Live on GAA+

The last time these sides met in the Championship, Meath held Kerry for over 50 minutes before David Clifford ignited and led Kerry to a 15-point win. This year, Meath have improved with results against Dublin, Cork, and Roscommon. However, Mathew Costello’s absence weakens their attack. Clifford’s 1-8 haul last time out underlines his threat, and Kerry have made five changes including a debut for Mark O’Shea at midfield. Meath’s midfield and defensive resilience will be tested to the limit.

KERRY: Shane Ryan; Paul Murphy, Jason Foley, Tom O’Sullivan; Tadhg Morley, Mike Breen, Gavin White; Joe O’Connor, Mark O’Shea; Graham O’Sullivan, Sean O’Shea, Micheal Burns; David Clifford, Killian Spillane, Dylan Geaney.

Subs: Shane Murphy, Dylan Casey, Tony Brosnan, Armin Heinrich, Conor Geaney, Evan Looney, Sean O’Brien, Tom Leo O’Sullivan, Darragh Lyne, Cillian Trant, Ruairi Murphy, Damien Bourke, Dara Moynihan.

Meath: Billy Hogan; Seamus Lavin, Sean Rafferty, Brian O’Halloran; Donal Keogan, Sean Coffey, Ciaran Caulfield; Bryan Menton, Adam O’Neill; Conor Duke, Ruairi Kinsella, Cathal Hickey; Jordan Morris, James Conlon, Eoghan Frayne.

Subs: Sean Brennan, Ronan Ryan, Eoin Harkin, James McEntee, Cian McBride, Conor Gray, Shane Walsh, Aaron Lynch, Daithi McGowan, Keith Curtis, Diarmuid Moriarty.

Group 2: Roscommon v Cork

Venue: Laois Hire O’Moore Park, Portlaoise
Throw-in: 4.15pm
TV: Live on GAA+

A repeat of last year’s bottom-two clash, Roscommon are in pole position to reach the last 12 with another win over Cork. Their March meeting ended in a 14-point Roscommon win. Cork have since lost to Meath and Kerry, while Roscommon earned a draw against Meath. Cork are unchanged, but Roscommon replace the injured Niall Higgins with Pearse Frost. This could go down to the wire, but Roscommon will back their recent form.

Group 4: Dublin v Derry

Venue: Páirc Esler, Newry
Throw-in: 6.30pm
TV: Live on GAA+

Last year’s Division 1 toppers, Derry, are on a drastic slide with just one win in regulation since their win over Dublin. They’ll hope that last week’s draw with Galway signals a turnaround. Dublin, on the other hand, are licking wounds from a frustrating defeat to Armagh. Con O’Callaghan returns to the bench, and John Small comes in for Colm Basquel. Derry will need a huge effort, with Odhran Lynch back in goal and Conor McCluskey available again.

DUBLIN: Stephen Cluxton; Sean MacMahon, Theo Clancy, David Byrne; Brian Howard, John Small, Alex Gavin; Peadar O Cofaigh Byrne, Killian McGinnis; Ciaran Kilkenny, Sean Bugler, Niall Scully; Paddy Small, Lorcan O’Dell, Cormac Costello.

Subs: Evan Comerford, Luke Breathnach, Nathan Doran, Lee Gannon, Tom Lahiff, Greg McEneaney, Ross McGarry, Eoin Murchan, Cian Murphy, Con O’Callaghan, Eoghan O’Donnell.

DERRY: Odhran Lynch; Diarmuid Baker, Eoin McEvoy, Patrick McGurk; Conor Doherty, Brendan Rogers, Padraig McGrogan; Conor Glass, Dan Higgins; Ethan Doherty, Paul Cassidy, Ciaran McFaul; Shane McGuigan, Niall Loughlin, Niall Toner.

Subs: Ben McKinless, Conor McCluskey, Ryan Mulholland, Danny McDermott, Tommy Rogers, Anton Tohill, Ruairi Forbes, Lachlan Murray, Cahir McMonagle, Caolan Devlin, Ben McCarron.

Group 4: Galway v Armagh

Venue: Kingspan Breffni, Cavan
Throw-in: 6.30pm
TV: Live on GAA+

Armagh are already through but promise to go full tilt in this repeat of last year’s All-Ireland quarter-final. Galway, who have drawn with Derry and lost narrowly to Dublin, need a result to secure progression. Rory Grugan is absent for Armagh, with Stefan Campbell starting and Niall Grimley returning at midfield. Galway bring in Sean Fitzgerald and Cein Darcy. Expect a tense, tactical contest between two heavyweights with something to prove.

GALWAY: Connor Gleeson; Johnny McGrath, Sean Fitzgerald, Jack Glynn; Dylan McHugh, Sean Kelly, Liam Silke; Paul Conroy, John Maher; Cillian McDaid, Rob Finnerty, Cein Darcy; Matthew Tierney, Shane Walsh, Matthew Thompson.

Subs: Conor Flaherty, Daniel O’Flaherty, Cathal Sweeney, Kieran Molloy, Sean O Maoilchiarain, Peter Cooke, John Daly, Cian Hernon, Johnny Heaney, Tomo Culhane, Damien Comer.

ARMAGH: Ethan Rafferty; Paddy Burns, Barry McCambridge, Peter McGrane; Ross McQuillan, Tiernan Kelly, Jarlath Og Burns; Jason Duffy, Niall Grimley; Darragh McMullan, Rian O’Neill, Oisin Conaty; Stefan Campbell, Andrew Murnin, Conor Turbitt.

Subs: Blaine Hughes, Tomas McCormack, Greg McCabe, Connaire Mackin, Aaron McKay, Joe McElroy, Cian McConville, Callum O’Neill, Aidan Forker, Shane McPartlan, Jemar Hall.

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Ulster Senior Football Championship Quarter-Final

Sunday, April 13 | Healy Park, Omagh | 4:15pm

Teams announced Friday – Live GAA scores on Irishscores.com

Tyrone and Cavan renew rivalries in another all-Ulster showdown this Sunday, just a year on from their extra-time thriller in Kingspan Breffni. That day, Tyrone edged out Cavan by a single point, 1-23 to 3-16, and the Red Hands will once again be favourites—despite a rocky league campaign that saw them relegated from Division 1.

Cavan, for their part, were a solid mid-table team in Division 2, winning four games and showing resilience throughout. Mickey Graham’s men will take confidence from their attacking style of play and will look to trouble a Tyrone defence that, while statistically the best in Division 1, has at times lacked bite when faced with high-tempo opposition.

Tyrone are still transitioning their squad but remain potent, with Darragh Canavan and Mattie Donnelly leading the line. Conor Meyler and Frank Burns are key men if the hosts are to progress.

Cavan will hope Paddy Lynch and Gearóid McKiernan can reproduce the form that lit up last year’s championship. But they haven’t beaten Tyrone in championship football since 1983—something that underlines the scale of their challenge.

The winners will face either Antrim or Armagh in the semi-final.

Team News

Official starting teams will be announced on Friday. Check Irishscores.com and team social media for confirmed line-ups and in-play updates.

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It’s an all-Ulster showdown as Monaghan takes on Armagh in the opening round of Division 1. Armagh comes into the game as the favourites, with odds at 4/6, while Monaghan is 13/8 and a draw is 15/2.

The match will take place in Castleblayney, a far cry from last year’s league opener in Croke Park, but no less important as both teams aim to maintain their Division One status. Monaghan has just barely held onto their spot in the top tier in the last two years, while Armagh will be looking to get off to a strong start following their impressive 2022 campaign.

The two teams met twice last season, with both fixtures ending in a draw. They also faced off in the 2021 Ulster semi-final, which Monaghan narrowly won. Armagh last defeated their rivals in the first round of the 2021 league, a crucial win in maintaining their topflight status.

In 2022, Monaghan brought Armagh back down to earth after the Orchard County’s strong start to the season, with a 1-7 to 0-10 in the National Football league R3. The teams also couldn’t be separated in the McKenna Cup semi-final, with Monaghan winning on penalties after the game ended 0-15 to 0-15. 25 players saw game time for Armagh, but it was Jemar Hall’s missed penalty that saw Monaghan progress to the final.

As the teams prepare to face off once again, memories of those past games will no doubt be fresh in the minds of players and fans alike. Both Monaghan and Armagh will be looking to put their best foot forward and come out on top in this highly-anticipated all-Ulster clash.

Monaghan will be looking to prove that they are more than just the underdogs, and that they have what it takes to compete with the best in the league. They will be drawing on their recent success against Armagh, and will be looking to use that as motivation to secure a win in this opening round match.

Armagh, on the other hand, will be eager to redeem themselves and show that they are the top team in the league. They will be looking to use the disappointment of their past losses to Monaghan as fuel to come out strong and secure a victory in this opening round match.

The stage is set for an exciting and closely-fought match as Monaghan takes on Armagh in the opening round of Division 1. Both teams will be giving it their all in an effort to come out on top and start the season off on the right foot.

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Donnelly comes into the role following the departure of the Fermanagh footballers’ former boss, Ryan McMenamin after two years in the role in August.

The Brookeborough man’s selection was ratified at a meeting of Coiste Chontae Fhear Manach held on Thursday evening.

Donnelly previously played for Fermanagh at senior level and managed the minor team, working with the seniors as a trainer during this time as well when they were under the tutelage of Peter Canavan.

The Fermanagh native was most recently the manager at Cavan Gaels and also previously led Monaghan club Scotstown to the Ulster final in 2018, collecting a county title on the way.

Confirming his appointment, a Fermanagh GAA spokesperson said: “We are delighted to be able to appoint someone with the experience, drive and ambition of Kieran Donnelly to this position.

“Kieran comes into this role as a successful coach and manager of the highest standard, with considerable experience of leading players in a high-performance environment and has an impressive managerial track record.

“We look forward with excitement to working with Kieran in implementing the main objectives of our current strategic plan and in developing not only the current group of players, but also those that are progressing along the player pathway in Fermanagh, to be the best that they can be..”

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The side will contest their first All-Ireland in three years and will hope to win their first Sam Maguire since 2018.

Conor McKenna scored a brace and super-sub Conor McShane put up 1-3 to help their side book a date with Mayo on Sunday, September 11.

The win rounds up a month in which Tyrone suffered a Covid outbreak and the GAA were forced to postpone the fixture twice, as well as the All-Ireland final – a game initially scheduled to be played on Sunday, August 29.

Feargal Logan and Brian Dooher’s side got off to a slow start but took the driver’s seat after Kerry’s opening scores and maintained their lead for the rest of the half.

Kerry star David Clifford lost the ball and Peter Harte capitalised, with the ball eventually finding McKenna who put it past Shane Ryan for the first goal of the game.

Goalkeeper Niall Morgan scored from far out to add the side’s tenth point just before the half-time whistle and give Tyrone a marginal lead.

Kerry were frustrated time and time again by Tyrone’s defensive system and energy – boss Peter Keane got his side to adopt this system for the rest of the game.

The change initially paid off with both sides struggling to break each other down but Kerry’s powerful attack, which had scored 87 points in the championship this season leading up to the game, gave the Munster champions the advantage in the third quarter.

Tyrone kept within a goal of Keane’s side and were rewarded for their hard work with a late second goal putting them a point ahead of the 37-time All-Ireland winners with two minutes of regular time to go.

McShane punched the ball in after fellow substitute Darragh Canavan had his shot saved.

Sean O’Shea levels it before Darren McCurry and David Clifford trade blows for their side, with nothing to separate them after 70 minutes.

Clifford was replaced before the start of extra-time after an eight-point performance kept the side in the game.

However, without him, Tyrone began to pull away after another scoring spree, this time on the other side of the end of regular time, got the side a third goal.

McKenna got his second of the day to give the Ulster champions a five-point lead and the Munster champions a mountain to climb.

Logan and Dooher’s side scored 1-2 on either side of the full-time whistle (of regular time) to regain control.

Tyrone never let go of the lead but Kerry did their best to earn it back with four points bringing them just short of forcing penalties.

Tyrone persevered and will face Connacht champions and 2020 All-Ireland finalists Mayo in the biggest fixture of the footballing calendar on Sunday, September 11.

The post Tyrone Book Place In All-Ireland Final With ET Victory Over Kerry appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Meath wing-forward Shaun Leonard wriggled into space to fire over the winning point in the final minutes of the game to give his county a first minor football crown since 1992.

Tyrone’s strong start was not maintained and the Leinster champions fought back to take the minor crown after a huge battle in Croke Park.

Several wides cost the Ulster champions as they failed to pull away from Cathal O Bric’s side.

The teams were tied eight times throughout the biggest match on the minor football calendar before Leonard sealed the win for the Royals.

Tyrone captain Cormac Devlin found the net in the eighth minute to give his side a four-point lead.

However, O Bric’s side responded well and the two teams were level at 1-04 just six minutes after Devlin’s opening goal.

Meath had the lead after the first half – a slender one-point margin in their favour.

The Royals increased their lead to three after substitute Conor Owens had tied things up at 1-08 a piece.

Oisin O Murchu scored his final point of the game in that stretch to bring his total to 1-02 in the game – the most of any Meath player.

Owens was involved in the final Tyrone stretch of point-scoring alongside Ruairi McHugh and Ronan Cassidy but the sub could not help his side force extra time after Leonard’s winning strike.

Meath ended a 29-year-wait for a minor football title while the 11-year wait for the Red Hand will go on.

Gerard Donnelly’s side scored 53 points en route to this year’s final and won the Ulster final by seven points.

Their semi-final win over Cork saw the side outscore the Munster champions by 14 to book a date with Meath.

They came in as favourites but Meath had other plans.

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Ó Dufaigh died in a road traffic accident in the late hours of Saturday after captaining his county to the Ulster U20 Final via a win over Donegal U20s.

Monaghan GAA has opened a book of condolence for the young man and extended their symptahies to the player’s family.

“Monaghan GAA are deeply saddened with the tragic passing of Brendan Óg Ó Dufaigh, captain of the Monaghan U20 team, following a traffic accident last night.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Brendan Óg’s family, his father Brendan, his mother Esther and his sisters Claire and Áine and to his friends, his teammates and his club Monaghan Harps. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time.”

The county board have also detailed the funeral arrangements for anyone wishing to pay their respects.

Many took to social media to pay tribute to the Drumlin County’s young half-back prospect.

The Monaghan U20 captain’s club, Monaghan Harps GAA, laid a reef by their gates in honour of their player.

Our club is devastated at the news of the untimely death of our senior player and county U-20 captain Brendan Óg Ó Dufaigh. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time. All club activity has been postponed until further notice. pic.twitter.com/GUCZLeI9WA

— Monaghan Harps GAA (@MonaghanHarps) July 17, 2021

Inter-county accounts quote tweeted the post that included this photo and extended condolences to the young Monaghan star’s family and friends.

Those who did not quote tweet the above post tweeted separately to express their condolences.

Monaghan senior football boss Seamus ‘Banty’ McEnaney was emotional when speaking about the tragedy after his side’s Ulster semi-final win over Armagh in Newry.

"This man had a huge future in Monaghan football…"@MonaghanGAA manager Seamus McEnaney pays tribute to Brendán Óg Duffy after the Farney County's win over Armagh. pic.twitter.com/wIkJiTv7zk

— Sky Sports GAA (@SkySportsGAA) July 17, 2021

Banty managed Brendán Óg when they were both involved in the minor setup for the county.

“For me, personally, it was very difficult because I managed this young fella and he was my captain in the minor team and, you know, only those that have been in a manager’s position with a captain understands the trust that is there, the loyalty there, the love that is there,” Banty said.

Other inter-county figures such as senior captain Ryan Wylie and chairperson of Roscommon GAA Brian Carroll offered their sympathies to those affected by Ó Dufaigh’s untimely death.

The news spread beyond the GAA community with many established figures in other sports and walks of life hearing of the tragedy.

Ronan O’Gara is among those who offered condolences outside of GAA.

Sean McCaffrey commentated on the Monaghan – Donegal Ulster U20 semi-final on the night and praised Ó Dufaigh’s leadership throughout.

In a tweet, he said that he spent 20 minutes after the game talking to the young captain.

I was honoured to commentate on @monaghangaa U20 win over @officialdonegal and how they were lead by their captain Brendan Og Duffy. 20 mins were spent chatting to him in the carpark afterwards.The buzz and excitement unreal. Now it is impossible to take it in. pic.twitter.com/dTF0RgvU7p

— Sean Mc Caffrey (@Smccaffreyradio) July 17, 2021

“Now, it is impossible to take in,” concluded McCaffrey.

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Click for live score commentary of Cavan v Donegal

Firstly, the Breffni men got the Ulster Championship off to a spectacular start. With ten minutes left on the clock, they trailed Monaghan by six. Somehow Cavan came back to send the game to extra-time which was an achievement in itself. But, they smelled blood and pushed Monaghan all the way. Penalties seemed inevitable until goalkeeper Raymond Galligan scored the winner from 59metres out.

THIS SUNDAY!

The final of the 2020 Ulster Senior Football Championship @CavanCoBoardGaa vs @officialdonegal
Athletic Grounds, 4pm#Ulster2020 pic.twitter.com/J3zgICJrFF

— Ulster GAA (@UlsterGAA) November 18, 2020

A reasonably comfortable win over Antrim followed but Cavan repeated their comeback trick last weekend against Down.

This time, they were on the wrong side of an eight-point deficit at half-time. It seemed like five games in five weeks was taking its toll on Mickey Graham’s men as bad handling and decision-making suggested fatigue. Furthermore, Down were just much more economical in possession.

But, Graham’s adjustments at the interval proved to be good ones. For example, Conor Madden came in and kicked three points in addition to two assists. Likewise, Thomas Galligan was put at full-forward and tied up the Down defence effectively. They smothered Down in midfield and the forwards capitalised with a steady stream of points to eclipse Down’s early lead.

Donegal hype train rolls on

Meanwhile, Donegal returned to the pitch for the first time since their duel with Tyrone. Armagh were the opposition and on paper it was going to be another stern test for Donegal’s credentials. Yet, half-time Declan Bonner’s side had blown the Orchard County out of the water and there was already talk of a Donegal-Dublin semi-final.

At the interval it was 1-12 to 0-3 after a display of sheer dominance by Donegal. Their physicality in the tackle made Armagh’s attacks absolutely futile. At the other end, size didn’t come at the expense of skill as the points continued to come.

Somewhat worryingly, Donegal’s defensive guardian Stephen McMenamin left the pitch after three minutes with a hamstring strain. Bonner admitted the chances of him being fit for this weekend’s final didn’t look good at the time.

Odhran McFadden-Ferry is another absentee for Donegal. He is on tour with the Irish Army. In addition, Paul Brennan left the pitch midway through the second-half due to injury.

In contrast, Paddy McBrearty got some well-needed Championship minutes and scored with his first contribution.

While Cavan have already proved themselves capable of turning the tide against major opponents, the Donegal train is at full tilt. They racked up 1-22 against Armagh in 70 minutes of pure precision.

Monaghan and Down had bad spells to allow Cavan back into their games. It’s hard to imagine Donegal showing such a lapse.

The Ulster final is live on RTÉ.

Paddy Power have Donegal at a short 1/10 versus Cavan’s 7/1. A draw is 10/1.

Prediction: Donegal. Cavan are no right-off. But, even their best is probably not enough to see them past Donegal here who are proving to be genuine title contenders.

Team News

Cavan Raymond Galligan, Jason McLoughlin, Padraig Faulkner, Luke Fortune, Gerard Smith, Killian Clarke, Ciaran Brady, Thomas Gilligan, Killian Brady, Martin Reilly, Gearoid McKiernan, Oisin Kiernan, Oisin Pearson, Chris Conroy, Conor Madden.

Donegal: Shaun Patton, Eoghan Ban Gallagher, Neil McGee, Eoin McHugh, Ryan McHugh, Paul Brennan, Peader Morgan, Hugh McFadden, Caolan McGonigle, Ciaran Thompson, Niall O’Donnell, Michael Langan, Paddy McBrearty, Michael Murphy, Jamie Brennan

Ulster Championship Final: Cavan vs Donegal, Sunday, 22nd November, 16:00 (Athletic Grounds).

It was a busy weekend of #GAA football championship action! Catch up on the best bits in this #GAANOW weekend football round-up. pic.twitter.com/VbZJ6oEkfD

— The GAA (@officialgaa) November 17, 2020

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https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1328744991645196290

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It hasn’t been plain sailing for Fermanagh since football returned from its extended absence. Ryan McMenamin’s team were hit with Covid-19 before the League resumed. As a result, a weakened side travelled to Clare where they failed to get a result. Then, Laois beat them in the final round to cement their place at the bottom of Division 2.

Last weekend, the break from action allowed McMenamin a chance to take stock. His players will benefit from the chance to recover after a hectic schedule. When they take to the field on Sunday they will relish the opportunity to remind everyone why they can compete in Ulster. Two years ago they made it to the final. Now, a favourable draw will have Fermanagh tails up.

On the other hand, Down were last in the Ulster final in 2017. But, the last two years haven’t seen the same success.

Like Fermanagh, Down’s return to action hasn’t exactly gone to plan. Firstly, they were awarded a walkover when Leitrim conceded there League game. Paddy Tally would have preferred the game in order to dust off cobwebs. However, it proved to be an important two points for Down. The following week they lost to Louth and still managed to earn promotion.

Sunday’s game is sure to be a nervy one as neither team really knows what to expect going in. In addition, a loss ends the season so Fermanagh and Down will both be cautious about leaving themselves open.

Down are 8/13 favourites to win the game with Paddy Power. Otherwise, Fermanagh are 7/4 and a draw is 13/2.

BBC Northern Ireland are broadcasting the game.

Prediction: Down.

Team News

Down : Rory Burns; Peter Fegan, Patrick Murdock, Pierce Laverty; Gerard Collins, Kevin McKernan, Daniel Guinness; Caolan Mooney, Johnny Flynn; Conor Poland, Paul Devlin, Barry O’Hagan; Jerome Johnston, Donal O’Hare, Ceilum Doherty.

Fermanagh : Sean McNally; Jonny Cassidy, Kane Connor, Luke Flanagan; Josh Largo Ellis, James McMahon, Cian McManus; Ryan Jones, Eoin Donnelly; Ciaran Corrigan, Darragh McGurn, Aidan Breen; Stephen McGullion, Tomas Corrigan, Declan McCusker.

Subs: James McGrath, Kevin McDonnell, Danny Teague, Conall Jones, Richard O’Callaghan, Paul McCusker, Eddie Courtney, Ruairi Corrigan, Sean Cassidy, Ryan Breen, Lorcan McStravick.

Ulster Championship Quarter-Final: Fermanagh vs Down, Sunday, November 8th, 13:30 (Brewster Park).

Here are the @PwCIreland GAA/GPA Football Player of the Month nominees for October! #PwCAllStars

Who would you vote for?

Congratulations to @RoscommonGAA's Enda Smith, @TyroneGAALive's Conor McKenna and @Kerry_Official's Gavin White! pic.twitter.com/U50yDLGxLi

— The GAA (@officialgaa) November 3, 2020

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/who-is-dublins-next-breakout-star/

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/who-is-dublins-next-breakout-star/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1323655879254749186

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CLICK HERE FOR LIVE SCORES

In round 7 of the National League, a draw with Meath was enough to see Monaghan survive in the top Division. In what was an up-and-down League for the Farney men, they will be content as they head into knock-out football. The Meath draw was preceded by a loss to Kerry. But, Seamus McEnaney will have told his side that if they were to lose, that was the time to do so.

2019’s defeat to Cavan in the Ulster Championship will be at the front of McEnaney’s mind. The loss shook the team who went on to lose to Armagh in the qualifiers. Now, he will be relying on his talisman Conor McManus to lead from the front. Thankfully for McEnaney, McManus is finding form at the right time. He scored 1-08 against Meath and 0-05 the week before against Kerry in just 35 minutes.

Cavan need to show mental toughness

On the other hand, Cavan will be wishing they had another week to prepare for this fixture. Last year’s trip to the Ulster final seems like a long time ago now in light of their new Division 3 status. Two losses since the restart will need to be quickly forgotten about by Mickey Graham’s men.

Graham admitted his side “got what we deserved” after failing to get a result against Roscommon. In fact, a win on the day could have seen Cavan finish in the promotion spots. But, Division 2 was the tightest of the four and, true to form, the loss saw Cavan fall to 7th. Graham continued to confess nerves among his team before the game.

If Cavan are to replicate their victory from last season, they need to quickly make peace with their League result. In the Championship there will be no time to wallow in self-pity. In particular, the Ulster Championship will be a gruelling one on its own. Beginning in the preliminary round only adds to the challenge.

Paddy Power rightfully have Monaghan at 3/10 favourites. Cavan are 10/3 and a draw is 8/1. The game is live on Sky Sports.

Prediction: Monaghan.

Starting Teams

Monaghan: Rory Beegan, Kieran Duffy, Conor Boyle, Ryan Whylie, Dessie Ward, Fintan Kelly, Karl O’Connor, Darren Hughes, Kieran Hughes, Ryan McAnespie, Micheál Bannigan, Dermot Malone, Stephen O’Hanlon, Conor McCarthy, Conor McManus

Cavan: Raymond Galligan, Jason McLoughlin, Killian Clarke, Killian Brady, Gerard Smith, Ciaran Brady, Luke Fortune, James Smith, Padraig Faulkner, Martin Reilly, Gearoid McKernan, Oisin Kieran, Oisin Pierson, Chris Conway, Cormac O’Reilly

Ulster Football Championship Preliminary Round: Monaghan vs Cavan, Saturday, October 31st, 1.15pm (Clones).

@UlsterGAA Senior Football Championship – Monaghan v @CavanCoBoardGaa
Saturday 31st of October 2020
@ClonesGAA
1:15pm #AllBoroFloorService @MonaghanGaaNYC pic.twitter.com/iDiahh9lDG

— @monaghangaa (@monaghangaa) October 26, 2020

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https://twitter.com/monaghangaa/status/1320857294880518144

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