Lynch relishing step up as ladies open with Mayo clash

Ladies football

Cavan senior ladies football captain Shauna Lynch says her side are “really looking forward” to testing themselves at a higher level as they prepare for the start of the 2026 Lidl Ladies Division 2 National Football League, following last season’s promotion-winning campaign.

After lifting the Division 3 title in 2025, Cavan are back among tougher opposition this spring, and Lynch admits the new season has come around quicker than expected.

“I’m really looking forward to it. The league has definitely come around very fast. It’s hard to believe it’s next week, it doesn’t feel like we’ve been back that long. But it’ll be great to see where the team is at and how the year is going to go.”

Last year proved to be a breakthrough season for Cavan, with silverware secured and momentum built across the campaign. Now, Lynch says the challenge of Division 2 is exactly where the group wants to be.

“It’s definitely going to be a step up, but that’s what we wanted. We had a great year last year and Division 2 is where we wanted to progress to. That’s what’s coming for us this year and we’re really looking forward to it. There are definitely tougher teams and higher standards, but that will only make us better as a team.”

Cavan begin their league campaign at home, welcoming Mayo to Breffni (Sunday, 2pm), and Lynch believes there is no better way to open the season.

“Any day you get into Breffni is a great day. It’s great news for the team that we’re back in there again, especially for our first home game. There’s no better team to play than Mayo. It’s a good, open pitch and hopefully with the new rules and everything it’ll really help progress the game. I’m really looking forward to seeing how it plays out.”

Those new rules are one of the major talking points ahead of the season, with several changes aimed at increasing tempo and physicality. Lynch has welcomed the developments, believing they will enhance the spectacle.

“I was definitely delighted when I heard they were coming in. I think they’ll benefit stronger teams and stronger players. The game is getting more physical and it’s more demanding, so I definitely think the rules will enhance it.”

Although currently sidelined through injury, Lynch has still been closely observing how the team is adapting in training.

“From my point of view it’s hard to say too much because I’ve been injured for the last few weeks, so I haven’t been fully involved in the training. But just watching the girls, I think one of the biggest changes is going to be the tap-and-go. It’s going to benefit teams massively. If you have pace and you’re ready for it, you can really punish teams.”

“On the other side of that, if you’re on the back foot and not ready to take it on, you’re at a disadvantage straight away from the get-go.”

Lynch also believes the introduction of two-point scores could bring a new dimension to the women’s game.

“It’s great to see two-pointers introduced. There might not be loads of ladies players who can do it, but there are definitely some out there and it gives them a chance to showcase their skills.”

In terms of squad availability, Cavan have had to manage a number of knocks in recent weeks, but Lynch says the situation has improved significantly heading into the opening round.

“There are one or two longer-term injuries, but overall it’s much better than it was a few weeks ago. Most girls are back, and it’s looking close to a full squad more or less. The management definitely have a tough job on their hands picking a team for the opening league game.”

That selection headache has been heightened by an influx of new faces to the panel, including several players stepping up from the minor ranks.

“It’s brilliant to see the younger girls coming in. They’ve stepped up to the senior team like they’ve been here their whole lives, which is really good. We also have girls coming back who were involved years ago, and others who might never have played county football before. They might be a bit older, but they’re stepping up and taking it in their stride and doing really, really well.”

According to Lynch, the growing depth of the panel reflects the positive trajectory of Cavan ladies football over the past number of seasons.

“Last year was a very attractive year for us. People can see what we can do and how well we can play, and they want to be involved in that.

“That’s bringing in stronger players and more competition, which is obviously bringing us on as a team. The volume of players we have this year and the quality is absolutely brilliant.”

Continuity off the field has also been key, with last season’s management team remaining in place for a second year.

“That’s so important. I said it all last year how great the setup has been. The lads came in and gave it a whole new look. Now we really need to build on that. It’s fantastic that they’re here to build on last year’s success and hopefully keep driving things on this year.”

After winning both a National League title and an Ulster IFC in 2025, Lynch says the group is determined to push even further in 2026, using last year’s championship disappointment as motivation.

“We had a fantastic year last year, but we were very disappointed to bow out when we did against Westmeath. That disappointment has stayed with us, and hopefully it’ll give us the hunger to drive on that bit further. I definitely think an All-Ireland is well within our grasp, that’s what we’re aiming towards at the end of the year.”