'Let's go and win it'

Kevin Óg Carney

Cavan camogie boss Philip Brady will return to Croke Park this Sunday (12pm) determined in the belief that his charges can overturn Armagh.

The Mullahoran man was on the Cavan senior hurling squad that lost to Fermanagh in the 2021 Lory Meagher Cup final at HQ. However, unlike, the Breffni Blues of five years ago, Brady is convinced that the Cavan’s camogie team - have the belief to overcome Armagh and win the Premier Junior Championship title:

“Of all the traits that this squad possess, it’s the belief the players have that stands out,” Brady says.

“We don’t hope, we expect to win the final. That’s the belief in the camp. The players all have great belief in each other and they trust each other and they know that they’ll never give up fighting until the final whistle goes.

“We’ve won all six of our group (championship) games but on two or three occasions, the girls had to show that belief and I’m convinced they’ll again show that belief if, at times in the final, things aren’t going our way.”

Cavan report a clean bill of health ahead of the big throw-in and the Brady Bunch will need a big performance from every one of the players who cross the white line this Sunday.

The Orchard County sport a rich pedigree in the competition and will be utterly determined to make up for their loss in the 2025 decider at Croke Park. They last won the Kay Mills Cup in 2020 (when they beat Cavan by 0-19 to 3-7 in Breffni Park) but have been runners-up three times since that.

Cavan’s team-manager is aware of what Armagh are likely to bring to the table, however Cavan beat (3-13 to 1-10) Armagh in early June last in the second round of this year’s competition.

“Armagh are an exceptional team. They would probably tell you that we’re the favourites for the final but I’d make them favourites after what they did last year and the fact that they’re only after winning the league (Division 3A) and also cause this is their fifth all-Ireland final in the last seven years.”

Armagh’s experience of Croker is a factor of which Brady is mindful. However he is determined to keep the team's focus on what Cavan need to do.

“We’re in the final. My message to the girls now is, ‘Let’s go and win it’.