In-form minors face Tyrone in Ulster final this Sunday

GAA news

Cavan will face Tyrone in the final of the Ulster Minor Championship, marking a first appearance in the showpiece in eight years, this Sunday at Brewster Park (5.15pm) following an outstanding win over Donegal in the semi-final.

Having earlier beaten Derry and Down, Cavan came into the match with confidence and they delivered a smart, tactically-astute performance to run out winners with a bit to spare.

“While we were in the game at half-time, a lot of what we were looking for around the middle third of the field, we were probably lacking in that first half,” Cavan manager Ed O’Hanlon commented.

“We weren't doing well enough on our own kick-out, we weren't doing well enough on their kick-out but we dusted ourselves down at half-time and I think really, just the desire that was shown in the second 35 minutes there would make all Cavan people immensely proud.”

Cavan pressed up on Donegal’s kick-out to great effect, the Cavan Gaels man agreed.

“That was the plan from the start, it took us a while, but we ended up getting a very good squeeze on it. And as well as that, we were doing very well getting our own kick-outs away. And again, it was a panel contribution.

“We were fortunate to get a couple of boys that have been on the sidelines for a very long time, a couple of minutes into them today, we'll try and dust them down again and hopefully have a few more options again next week.

“We have Tyrone in the final, a Tyrone team that we have the utmost respect for. We played them a number of weeks ago, they beat us by six points, and deservedly so, but at the same time, we asked them a few difficult questions on the day, and would be disappointed with maybe our overall score return on the day.

“ So listen, we have an Ulster final to look forward to, and we'll give it our all. I have no doubt the boys will give it their all. Hopefully the ball bounces our way on the day and we'll see where it takes us.”

Cavan’s composure in the closing stages was impressive.

“Well, you know,” said O’Hanlon, “you're not going to win an Ulster championship semi-final without being under pressure in the last 10 minutes. So we would have spoken about that a lot during the week, about having composure, using our brains, and looking to work those scoring opportunities.

“And it's been more than just today, we've been seeing that in training now for a good number of weeks. Obviously, Donegal were throwing the kitchen sink at us at that stage, but we did (hold on). Delighted with the response from everyone on the field.”

Tyrone ran out five-point winners over Monaghan in the other semi-final. Making the Ulster final guarantees Cavan a place in the All-Ireland quarter-finals where they will face Munster opposition.