Clarke: 'We're still hungry for more'

Cóilín Duffy

Killian Clarke says Cavan's appetite for Under 21 silverware hasn't relented, as the Breffni Blues gear up once more for a tilt at Ulster honours, when they face Armagh in tonight's final at the Athletic Grounds.

Clarke was on hand in Croke Park today to help launch the Moro GAA bar, and the Shercock clubman is keen on taking a bite out of Donegal's hopes this evening.

'Previous years don't matter so much, it's all about what you put in that year and what effort levels you are going to put in on the day,' he said.

'You can say that we are going for four-in-a-row, or whatever way you want to look at it, but at the end of the day this team hasn't won anything as a whole.

'There are different players, it's a different squad and you just have to get into the mindset for that year. At the end of the day last year will mean nothing on Wednesday night. It's all about what happens on the night.'

Clarke faces a potential match-up on Wednesday with Paddy McBrearty, whom he has already squared up against at Senior level.

'Paddy is a good footballer, I marked him once against Donegal in the Senior Championship and he gave me a bit of a run-around that day.

'I'm not sure if I'll be picking him up yet, I'd say I will, but you never know.

'He has a very good left foot and very good from anywhere, so he'll have to be touched out, whoever is picking him up.'

Both McBrearty and Donegal captain Martin O'Reilly are among those with Senior All-Ireland medals.

Clarke craves some of that success.

'Martin and Paddy are two very good footballers and are deserving of their medals.

'If we keep the effort levels up and committment levels with the Seniors I think we will keep pushing on. You wouldn't know where you would end up.' 

The Under 21 side which lost to Galway in a Croke Park decider in 2011 provides the bulk of the current Senior squad.

Clarke says they've a great influence on the current crop.

'That team and players from the year before such as David Givney are involved at the moment with the Seniors.

'There's a great mixture between oldies, 23 and 24 year olds and then some of the current 21's.

'It's a great mix and everyone gets on well and no one is isolated.'

With the Seniors booking a Croke Park league final date with Roscommon, and a sizeable amount of the 21's involved, Clarke is hoping the good times can continue for both sides.

'The Seniors went on an unbeaten run in the league and the Under 21's are unbeaten so far also, so hopefully we can keep that train running as long as possible.

'Their good run at the moment probably takes a bit of pressure off the Under 21's at the minute, as Terry doesn't need any players to step in.

'We can concentrate on the 21's and keep our heads down and hopefully we can get the win on Wednesday night.'