Footballers' D-day has arrived

Excitement is building as Cavan prepare to face off against Westmeath in the inaugural Tailteann Cup final this afternoon at Croke Park (throw-in, 3pm).

Meeting places and service stations across the county are abuzz with Cavan fans getting their buses with a sense of optimism.

With a guaranteed slot in next year’s All-Ireland SFC up for grabs, the stakes are high. Cavan earned their place in the final after a three-point win over Sligo on June 19, following earlier victories over Fermanagh and Down.

The Cavan team has been named for the final.

A sell-out is possible, with the Tailteann Cup final the opening game ahead of the All-Ireland semi-final between Galway and Derry.

Ticket sales are reported to be brisk, with over 20,000 expected from Cavan and Westmeath alone.