Promotion all but guaranteed as league final beckons

GAA news

Cavan’s victory over London all but guarantees promotion back to Division 3 at the first time of asking. While it is not a mathematical certainty, only a series of unlikely results would see Cavan fail to secure a place in the top two of the table after next weekend’s final round of matches.

If Cavan were to lose their final game against Waterford, Tipperary draw with London and there is no draw in the Sligo v Leitrim game, three teams will finish on 10 points, which means score difference would come into play and a six-point defeat at home to Waterford would see Cavan miss out on a promotion berth.

Cavan will be hot favourites to defeat the Déise at home; the Munster men currently sit bottom of Division 4. However, memories of the infamous loss to the same opposition back in the final round of the league at Breffni Park in 2006 are sure to be brought up this week.

Promotion to Division 3 would also secure a spot in the league final, most likely against Tipperary, although Sligo or Leitrim could still make it. That match has been pencilled in provisionally for Saturday, April 2 at Croke Park, likely in a double-header with the Division 3 final.

While Cavan have won five of their six matches to date, performances have been patchy, with the nervy finale to the London game following on from a poor showing against Tipperary the previous week.

Manager Mickey Graham will be keen for his side to rediscover their form as soon as possible, with just two competitive matches – providing, as expected, Cavan make the league final – before the trip to Belfast to take on Antrim on April 23.