Opinion: Cavan show improvement despite Cork catching them on finish line

Analysis

Damien Donohoe

It was almost a perfect weekend for Cavan’s senior sides across different codes. On Saturday afternoon, the hurlers recorded a comfortable win over Warwickshire, with young prospects Dylan McKeever and Rian Delaney producing eye-catching displays. On Sunday, the Cavan ladies came within touching distance of a statement victory over Mayo before settling for a draw in Breffni Park. But a dying moments defeat in Cork put an end to the dream and a trilogy of wins.

The record books will show another loss and yes, it continues an early-season pattern that stretches back to the McKenna Cup of Cavan finding themselves in winning positions without quite managing to close games out. But to focus solely on the final score in Páirc Uí Chaoimh would be to ignore a performance that carried many positives.

For long spells, Cavan looked capable of extending that momentum into another significant away result in the southern capital, a venue where they had enjoyed success on their previous two visits. That they came away empty-handed owed far more to fine margins and late-game decisions than to any fundamental shortcomings.

Cavan’s work in the kick-out battle showed dramatic improvements from the Fermanagh game. There was a clear emphasis on contesting primary possession high up the pitch and using breaking ball as a launchpad for attack. For the best part of an hour, Cavan were on a par and maybe even ahead in that battle.

Gerard McKiernan’s influence around the middle after half-time underlined that, when fit and firing, the Swinlinbar man remains one of the elite high-fielders in the country. Time and again he rose above the traffic to claim possession or breaking ball to ground for others. Around him, Cavan’s middle eight were aggressive and hungry.

Goalkeeper Liam Brady’s variation from the tee was another notable positive. Cavan were less predictable. Short and longer kick-outs were used, and several deliveries towards the sideline were claimed cleanly before being quickly transitioned into attack. On more than one occasion, Niall Carolan and Conor Brady combined sharply down the left flank to turn a defensive restart into a scoring opportunity.

The manner in which Cavan built their attacking platform was evident early on. There was a clear instruction for players to take on their direct opponent when the opportunity presented itself, and it paid dividends.

Conor Brady’s goal was a perfect illustration. The Gowna man lead from the start and was vital to Cavan’s attack without scoring. Gathering possession outside the 45, he used his power and athleticism to drive at the Cork defence before squaring for Dara McVeety, who palmed to the net. It was direct, decisive football.

The second goal followed a similar pattern. McVeety executed a clever bounce dummy, split two defenders and then slipped a perfectly weighted pass to Arva’s Ciarán Brady, who finished with authority. In between, Cavan produced a stream of fine points born from the same philosophy, most notably Oisín Brady’s score after a neat one-two with McVeety near the sideline and a powerful burst from captain Brady early in the second half that nudged Cavan in front.

Statistically, there were further grounds for encouragement. From 29 shots, Cavan registered 17 scores, yielding 23 points. That represents a significant improvement on the conversion rates seen in the McKenna Cup defeats to Fermanagh and Monaghan.

Both sides finished with nine different scorers, while all but three of Cavan’s scores came from open play, a sign of a forward unit capable of creating chances without being overly reliant on placed balls.

Injuries

Cavan were not without misfortune either. Paddy Lynch’s late withdrawal to the bench before throw-in, presumably through injury, was a blow. His presence was missed, as Cavan struggled with two long-range attempts in the first half.

Yet football matches at this level are often decided in the final quarter, and it was here that the balance swung. The surface in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, more akin to summer conditions than late January, facilitated a fast, energy-sapping contest. Cavan’s experienced players had worked immensely hard to build a seven-point lead with 12 minutes remaining, but as legs began to tire, Cork’s bench made a decisive impact.

Steven Sherlock struck two two-pointers in the closing stages, showing remarkable composure after missing earlier chances, but questions will be asked how he found himself in space so often. Alongside him, the introduction of veteran midfielder Ian Maguire tilted the kick-out battle back in Cork’s favour. Possession that Cavan had been winning for much of the game began to dry up and with it went control.

This is the area that now demands attention. Cavan have shown, in three competitive outings this season, that they can put themselves into strong positions. What they have yet to show is the ability to shut games down when momentum turns.

That is not a question of effort. It is about game management, about recognising when to retain possession, when to draw fouls and having the confidence to seize the opportunity when it arises.

In a one-point defeat. every moment played can be analysed and picked out as the crucial one but there are a few that stand out. Gerard Smith’s attempt for a two-pointer while the referee had his hand up for advantage not being brought back was a bad call. Paddy Lynch looked to be fouled along the line before Ryan Brady was shown a black card but that also went against Cavan. These are just two examples of calls by the referee that appeared to go against Cavan.

That said, when watching manager Dermot McCabe along the sideline, you can’t but notice how much time is spent remonstrating with the officials and wonder is it beneficial to the team.

The biggest positive for Cavan coming up the road was the performance by Dara McVeety. In defeat he was clearly the best player on the field, scoring 1-4 and setting up at least the same. It was one of his best-ever games in the blue of Cavan and that’s a high watermark.

Perspective is vital. This was an opening round away game, against a Cork side who have just picked up a win against the All-Ireland champions. Far from being over-run, Cavan were in a super position with 12 minutes to go so fixing that period is the task between now and next Sunday.

With Meath in town, there is a feeling of pressure ahead of Sunday (3.45pm). Tyrone follow that game in Omagh, so Cavan will be keen to avoid slipping into a position where performances are praised but points remain elusive.