The Official Cavan GAA Discussion thread.

willabur

Cavan are 5-1 with the bookies. I think that says all you need to know about where the two teams are regarded by the great beast.
How often to 5-1 teams win games of football? I would say its a good bit less than 20% so thats essentially what we are looking at with regards Cavans prospects. This is because we are facing a quality Kerry outfit, there are some outstanding footballers in this team. Some who have made their names already several times other while others who are driven by pure culture to emulate team mates, brothers, fathers, uncles or cousins. As a team they deserve respect and they have our total respect as they have earned it, but they are not perfect.

They have weaknesses which we will look to exploit, whether they can run full pelt for 70 mins we don't know, we hope our lads can outlast them. I wouldn't question their hunger as they have proven by the amount of times they have returned to the well - add to that the young lads who have not tasted success, they will have serious hunger knowing the lads sitting among them or the lads at home have medals and they don't. Senior medals in cavan are like hens teeth, the culture has had to be reinvented in the county and like it or not at senior level we are at an almost unprecendented level and have therefore exceeded expectation. It would be as valid to question cavans hunger as kerrys.

Bottom line is that they are what we want to be, for us a quarter final represents success, for them it would be the biggest disaster in history not to make one. We need to be a point where quarter finals are not enough and I think this will take more time. I really hope I am wrong again because I tipped Derry to beat us in Celtic Park in a close encounter, I was never ever so happy to be wrong.

willabur

celt262 wrote: »

No im fed up with people thinking Cavan will beat kerry because Kerry are old and will get tired.

I honestly think peoples opinion is that Cavans younger legs might make the difference in beating them. I don't think any sane person reckons cavan will definitely win, they are just saying there is a chance and the beauty of sport is that there is always a chance

Taffy Kat

celt262 wrote: »

No im fed up with people thinking Cavan will beat kerry because Kerry are old and will get tired.

Ok... Cavan are sh*t and have a team full of lads who can't even kick a ball straight and wouldn't get a game in a special junior club match in Kerry. There's really no point Cavan turning up on Sunday because they'll be lucky not to lose by 100 points. It'd be better if Gwynedd were playing Kerry because even they'd have a better chance of winning. Cavan haven't been able to play football since the great John Joe was alive and are going to make a holy show of themselves. All the Cavan supporters have wasted their money on tickets, the poor twits.

Happy now?

Except we all think Cavan have a chance, a small one ok, but a chance.

celt262

Taffy Kat wrote: »

Ok... Cavan are sh*t and have a team full of lads who can't even kick a ball straight and wouldn't get a game in a special junior club match in Kerry. There's really no point Cavan turning up on Sunday because they'll be lucky not to lose by 100 points. It'd be better if Gwynedd were playing Kerry because even they'd have a better chance of winning. Cavan haven't been able to play football since the great John Joe was alive and are going to make a holy show of themselves. All the Cavan supporters have wasted their money on tickets, the poor twits.

Happy now?

Except we all think Cavan have a chance, a small one ok, but a chance.

No Cavan might actually have a chance because they are a well organised team who will give it all. If thats what you think girl stay at home.

scatman carruthers

They stand a very good chance if the fans start throwing their half empty cans of beer they sneak in onto the hill infront of colm cooper when he's coming In on goal. That's their only hope.And only the fans on the hill that are not near the safety net behind the goals ,butfor the half kerry are shooting into the canal end they'r in trouble coz that's completely surrounded by netting

Clareman

I warning handed out, to all posters, any bickering will lead to BOTH posters being banned till after the championship, regardless of whether you are responding to a troll or you are the troll.

Taffy Kat

celt262 wrote: »

No Cavan might actually have a chance because they are a well organised team who will give it all. If thats what you think girl stay at home.

Its not what I think. Please try to interpret and keep abreast of what's being said. Anyone who was seriously reading the thread would have seen that I was being sarcastic.

That said, I think you do have a point, to some extent at least. Undoubtedly, in fact. The team is very well organised and has a good number of good players in it, a lot of whom have already been successful at various youth levels, but I still remain firm on the point that I feel young legs is an advantage. I've already said youth doesn't equal victory, just that it can help. Obviously it can't help if the team is completely weak, but that's not the case with Cavan. However, everyone is making Kerry heavy favourites, in many respects for their experience at this level of competition, like many did with Kilkenny last week, and we know how that finished up.

muincav

I will have to forget about the match (couldnt bear to watch TV3 coverage) if the damn tickets dont arrive in the post in the morning....lol...anyone else still waiting? Wish now I had just done a print at home purchase, but you cant beat having the real ticket with "CAVAN" and "CROKE PARK" on the same ticket...
Is supporters are the extra man the CAVAN will have about 5 extra men on Sunday,,,c'mon the Blues...

Al_Coholic

muincav wrote: »

I will have to forget about the match (couldnt bear to watch TV3 coverage) if the damn tickets dont arrive in the post in the morning....lol...anyone else still waiting? Wish now I had just done a print at home purchase, but you cant beat having the real ticket with "CAVAN" and "CROKE PARK" on the same ticket...
Is supporters are the extra man the CAVAN will have about 5 extra men on Sunday,,,c'mon the Blues...

BBC2 NI will show the Cavan game...they will also show the 2 other games with the Ulster teams playing.

scatman carruthers

Great boost that love the ****e talk from the lad on the BBC commentary

muincav

Al_Coholic wrote: »

BBC2 NI will show the Cavan game...they will also show the 2 other games with the Ulster teams playing.

I dont think the BBC (NI) are showing any games this weekend....

Neeson

muincav wrote: »

I dont think the BBC (NI) are showing any games this weekend....

They are.

Tom Joad

BBBC 2 NI are showing Monaghan v Tyrone on Saturday and both games on Sunday..

Gallant_JJ

Way Down South

Greetings from Kerry and excuse my intrusion into your excellent site. May I first off congratulate Cavan on their successes in underage and senior football in recent times. I grew up in a Kerry home where the great games of past times were discussed and replayed over and over again, not least the Polo Grounds game of 47. I had the great pleasure of personally knowing Eddie Carolan for many years and Joe Stafford for a few years. Gentlemen both, God rest their souls. I must admit that I have very little knowledge of the Cavan players other than what I have seen in their games this Championship and one cannot but be impressed. I have no doubt but that the team will be well prepared for Sunday and give a good account of themselves.
With regard to Kerry – they have prepared well and are a different team to these past few years where the preparation was not even close to what it should be. I have no doubt whatsoever but that they will give Cavan due respect, as they would any team. Having said that, we do expect to win this game. Self-confidence is a crucial mental skill, whereas, over-confidence is a common attribution for poor performance in a situation in which success is expected. Don’t expect success, prepare for it. For some of our panel it will be their final Championship as they face the sunset of their careers and they will want to go out on a high note. So I just hope we have the correct balance.
In any case, we will enjoy the occasion of renewing ‘hostilities’ with a county of great tradition in this wonderful game. Success to ye in the future, but not just yet!

Tom Joad

Got this in an e-mail from Cavan Co. Co.

Going to Croke Park Match on Sunday?

Expect long delays in Virginia on Sunday morning, please allow an additional 40 mins to pass through Town remember there will be addtional traffic coming from Donegal.

If at all possible please avoid Virginia by taking alternative route - click into body of notice for more details

1. Traffic originating from East: Cavan, Cootehill, Shercock, Bailieborough & Kingscourt areas are advised to travel to Dublin via N2 or M1 both ways
2. Traffic originating from South west: Cavan, Ballinagh, Lacken, Gowna, Finea, Mullahorn are advised to travel to Dublin via N4 both ways
3. Traffic passing through Ballyjamesduff and Mountnugent areas are advised to travel to Dublin via Oldcastle/Kells M3 and vice versa

bigtimecharlie

Here's hoping for a good day tomorrow, my first trip to the "finished" Croke Park since 2000. More in hope than expectation but like the Derry game, you'll never know.

Nailz

Tom Joad wrote: »

Got this in an e-mail from Cavan Co. Co.

Going to Croke Park Match on Sunday?

Expect long delays in Virginia on Sunday morning, please allow an additional 40 mins to pass through Town remember there will be addtional traffic coming from Donegal.

If at all possible please avoid Virginia by taking alternative route - click into body of notice for more details

1. Traffic originating from East: Cavan, Cootehill, Shercock, Bailieborough & Kingscourt areas are advised to travel to Dublin via N2 or M1 both ways
2. Traffic originating from South west: Cavan, Ballinagh, Lacken, Gowna, Finea, Mullahorn are advised to travel to Dublin via N4 both ways
3. Traffic passing through Ballyjamesduff and Mountnugent areas are advised to travel to Dublin via Oldcastle/Kells M3 and vice versa

Hmmm, can't see many people from Kingscourt going by the N2, Navan - M3 is generally too fast to access to avoid for them, even for Shercock. Bound to be a disaster with Donegal folks heading down the M3 also. I'm lucky to be staying up in Dundalk tonight, should be no bother getting down on the bus and just hopping off going by Croker.

Taffy Kat

Brolly losing the run of himself... As per usual!

Taffy Kat

I'm going to say it now. At the risk of getting egg on my face I firmly believe that by four o'clock Cavan will be in the semi finals. Kerry don't like playing Ulster teams.

Come on Cavan!

Taffy Kat

Final ball letting Cavan down every time. Some poor passing in midfield too. Couple of strong performances in the defence though.

Taffy Kat

Nerves have gotten to Cavan. This isn't remotely resemblant of Hyland's style. They're far too eager to shoot on sight or to play in a final ball when in previous matches they would've seen when the wiser option was to go backwards and build up again.

Taffy Kat

Rather than focusing on the negative we should look at the good aspects of today and this season.

Cavan have made massive progress this year. Five consecutive wins, and two big runs out at Croke Park. A good young team with the potential to develop greatly in the future and a good manager to guide them.

Today was always going to be tough, but at least the players gave an account of themselves, not a full account because they played beneath themselves, but at least they turned up in the second half. The important thing now is to harness the progress and win division 3 next year because being in the top two leagues is very important to be well prepared for the championship. Then a real drive for Ulster.

tayto lover

I was hoping Cavan would weather the Kerry storm and stay with them for the first 25 minutes. Nerves got to them.
They played very well in defence but in the first half the amount of silly and stray passes was unbelievable in the forward line.

They played much better in the second half and but for some very wayward shooting would have been much closer. Cavan have the makings of a very good team and getting out of Div 3 would help their progress.

Lemlin

tayto lover wrote: »

I was hoping Cavan would weather the Kerry storm and stay with them for the first 25 minutes. Nerves got to them.
They played very well in defence but in the first half the amount of silly and stray passes was unbelievable in the forward line.

They played much better in the second half and but for some very wayward shooting would have been much closer. Cavan have the makings of a very good team and getting out of Div 3 would help their progress.

There's no doubt we'll be back. This year's progress is already far more than we ever expected at this early stage.

The lads didn't do themselves justice in the first half today but I'm sure they'll learn valuable lessons from it.

celt262

Taffy Kat wrote: »

Five consecutive wins, .

We can only dream of where that might bring us but overall apart from the league this year as being a success and a big learning curve.

Lemlin

celt262 wrote: »

We can only dream of where that might bring us but overall apart from the league this year as being a success and a big learning curve.

I would also see the league as a success. I honestly think if the U21s hadn't been omitted from the panel after the Meath game, we would have been promoted. That left us without Gilsenan, Clarke, Flanagan, McLoughlin and Brady. Five starters.

We were also left without bench players like McVetty.

That said, I agree with that procedure being followed.

celt262

Lemlin wrote: »

I would also see the league as a success. I honestly think if the U21s hadn't been omitted from the panel after the Meath game, we would have been promoted. That left us without Gilsenan, Clarke, Flanagan, McLoughlin and Brady. Five starters.

We were also left without bench players like McVetty.

That said, I agree with that procedure being followed.

I don't think it should be followed next year its very important to get out of Division 3 next year and to do that strongest team should be played. It was no coincidence that the two best displays in league were when a full squad was available.

muincav

Dear Cavan...(letter from a fan...lol)
All I can say is a BIG thanks to the Cavan lads...you made what could have been an ordinary championship into an Extraordinary Championship...every game was exciting in its own way (even when Marty Duffy turned a blind eye..lol)..
You brought Pride back to Cavan football, in a time when NONE of the so called experts gave you a chance... You went out and enjoyed the games and made it even more enjoyable for us the fans...I hope now you can build on this season and even if you dont get as far again for a while, just keep enjoying your football and we will all enjoy watching you...P.S.-Anthony Forde can now give his fingernails and nerves a rest....
Yours sincerely-An appreciative CAVAN fan...:D

Lemlin

I think the lads are really carrying their winning mentality from the U21s through.

They aren't resting on their laurels and are already talking about next year.

Hammar

muincav wrote: »

Dear Cavan...(letter from a fan...lol)
All I can say is a BIG thanks to the Cavan lads...you made what could have been an ordinary championship into an Extraordinary Championship...every game was exciting in its own way (even when Marty Duffy turned a blind eye..lol)..
You brought Pride back to Cavan football, in a time when NONE of the so called experts gave you a chance... You went out and enjoyed the games and made it even more enjoyable for us the fans...I hope now you can build on this season and even if you dont get as far again for a while, just keep enjoying your football and we will all enjoy watching you...P.S.-Anthony Forde can now give his fingernails and nerves a rest....
Yours sincerely-An appreciative CAVAN fan...:D

Taffy Kat wrote: »

Rather than focusing on the negative we should look at the good aspects of today and this season.

Cavan have made massive progress this year. Five consecutive wins, and two big runs out at Croke Park. A good young team with the potential to develop greatly in the future and a good manager to guide them.

Today was always going to be tough, but at least the players gave an account of themselves, not a full account because they played beneath themselves, but at least they turned up in the second half. The important thing now is to harness the progress and win division 3 next year because being in the top two leagues is very important to be well prepared for the championship. Then a real drive for Ulster.

Well said gents,looking forward to 2014 already...

willabur

Lemlin wrote: »

I think the lads are really carrying their winning mentality from the U21s through.

They aren't resting on their laurels and are already talking about next year.

Thats good to hear. They really do seem to be a special bunch of players, yesterday will be something that they can draw on going forward. Targetting the league and another u21 success next year should be the goals to begin with next summer. After that we want to be aiming for the quarter finals again.

On the game itself it was very disappointing. It reminded me a bit of the u21 final in that everything we did after getting the first score just didn't work out. Perhaps its the croke park effect, maybe they need a bit more experience there in order to channel their energies effectively.
In the first half Kerrys half back line really smothered the hell out of us. Despite starting brightly Givney struggled in midfield by sheer weight of numbers it wasn't until the really impressive Argue came on that we began to assert control in this sector. I was very impressed by Rory Dunne at 3, McVitty wing back and especially our captain at 6 who I thought was terrific. Without wanting to be coming down on specific players I thought we struggled big time at half forward and in the other half back positions - this for me is where kerry killed us. Mackey came into the game very well and in the end was outstanding. Our inside forward line was always going to struggle when starved the way they were. Someone needs to sit down with Keating and the video game and go over his decision making on the field, he does so much right but lets himself down with a rash or over ambitious shooting. Dunne his point aside didn't get a sniff, he had a bit of a rant at Terry when he came off which was caught on camera but hopefully this is an energy that can be harnessed into a positive thing rather than an indicator of a johnstonesque attitude..


On terry I think he got a few things wrong which fair dues to him he had the wherewithall to change things around and fix his mistakes. Starting Mcvitty was brave and he repaid that faith by playing extremely well. However not starting Jack and McDermott were mistakes. For me Jack is the best footballer we have, very creative and economical. Its worthwhile having him on the pitch because these are essential qualities when your half forward line has been completely shut down. The introduction of him, a strong runner in mcdermott and effective support for Givney in Argue brought cavan back to competing in this game. I'm sure terry will look at this going forward and learn from it.


To conclude I would just like to thank the lads for an entertaining summer. Unfortunately I am away from home for the forseeable future and it has made being away so much easier knowing there is a Cavan game to look forward to in the summer, was even able to brag about this great young team coming through to other expats. Looking forward to the Mckenna cup and u21s already

Tom Joad

First time really on here since the match yesterday. Still have mixed feelings about it but its not unlike the feelings I had after 97 - the only difference is I know these boys will be back and we won't have to wait for another 16 years for a summer to remember.

Having lived through some of the darkest days in Cavan football in recent years this year was fantastic and once again we can be proud of our team. Every member of the panel worked their nads off since last winter and should be immensely proud of what they achieved and the management team have done a fantastic job.

Thanks lads for a wonderful summer and I know that next year is going to be a good one too and that panel is only going to get stronger.

Hard to single out players since there was such a huge team effort but Alan Clarke, Rory Dunne and Cian Mackey have been immense all year and have showed real leadership -something we have been missing for a long while in Cavan - the future is in safe hands.

Lemlin

I'm a glutton for punishment so watched the BBC coverage of the match today and then watched what the lads on The Sunday Game had to say. I still have the TV3 coverage left to watch!

McHugh, as per usual, was overly critical. When I saw he was co commentator I knew exactly what to expect. The lads on The Sunday Game were a bit more appreciative of us lifting the performance in the second half.

It's a mark of a great season where we are disappointed with losing to Kerry in an All Ireland quarter final. The lads let themselves down on the day but we've had a fantastic season, easily the best since '97.

I also think Terry will have learned alot about the team in what was his first full year in charge. In fairness, I think he also let the lads down a bit.

Starting McVitty was the correct choice but we shouldn't of gone with two sweepers. We hadn't enough up front. McDermott, as I said here last week, should have started.

Maybe tiredness caught up with the lads a bit. Players like Ronan Flanagan, Martin Reilly and Corr who are normally good and have had good seasons struggled yesterday.

Whatever the reason, we just didn't perform but hopefully the lads will learn from it.

Last year we lost by 19 points to Kildare in a Round 2 qualifier. This year alone we won more games, five, than we've won in all the seasons combined since 2005. That's some turnaround.

The future is blue folks!

Syferus

Well done to Cavan this year. Always like to see our fellow blue bloods doing well.

I think our meeting in D3 next year has the potential to decide promotion and because of that it could well be the most pivotal game both play in 2014. Both counties desperately need to reach D2 to realise their potential.

Lemlin

Syferus wrote: »

Well done to Cavan this year. Always like to see our fellow blue bloods doing well.

I think our meeting in D3 next year has the potential to decide promotion and because of that it could well be the most pivotal game both play in 2014. Both counties desperately need to reach D2 to realise their potential.

Two teams get promoted so no reason why it can't be both! Who is coming down with Longford?

DARK-KNIGHT

Great run for ye this year lads well done to your lads!!!!

Syferus

Lemlin wrote: »

Two teams get promoted so no reason why it can't be both! Who is coming down with Longford?

Wexford. With Offaly coming up it's almost an exact repeat of the 2012 D3 line-up. Wide open for a team to take the division by the scruff of the neck. Hope it is Ros and Cavan making the trip to Croker in April.

bigtimecharlie

Had a great day out on Sunday. A game that they could have won based on the second half performance, but that 20 minute period in the first half when Kerry went 6 points unanswered cost us.

Yes Kerry starting the second half with a 9 point lead weren't going to push themselves, but we should have been closer, gave them a better game in the first half.

Proud of them, and as mentioned earlier, lets not wait 16 years for the next Croker appearance.

willabur

Starting the game with the second sweeper allowed Kerry to swallow up our forward line with ease. We weren't gaining enough ground around the middle of the park either which meant the supply line into our forwards was brutal. I can see the reasoning behind this system in that it was designed to maintain possession and pick the kerry players off one by one but in order for that to work our passing had to be so precise and on the day it just wasn't there.

Second half i feel we reverted to a more natural game, pushing mcdermott up who broke lines and took scores. Mackey came into the game also. I'm sure terry and the boys will look at the video, analyse it well and maybe come to the conclusion that we showed kerry too much respect on the day. But as was said before this is necessary learning for such a young set up. Hopefully they can continue to perform and improve and as Rory Dunne himself said, won't stop until they have silverware to show for their efforts!

Lemlin

Well done to Cian Mackey who won Player of the Month for July.

Hopefully an All Star will follow.

KeepTheFaith

We learned a few things from Sunday:

-Tomas Corr is a grand player for tight pitches in poor conditions but is too limited for the higher levels.
-Michael Argue at about 6'6" looks like he could be a fine midfield option. He can play ball too. Would like to see himself and Gearoid together, although it's unlikely Terry would pair them.
-Serious questions remain over Keating's positioning at full forward.
-Alan Clarke is a wonderful captain. Look at his post match interview, he really looked hurt and sounded bullish about next year.
-If every player had the composure and temperament of McVeety and Killian Clarke we would be a formidable outfit.

celt262

KeepTheFaith wrote: »

We learned a few things from Sunday:

-Serious questions remain over Keating's positioning at full forward.

Where would you like to see him played.

If Givney was FF would you put Keating on the 40?

willabur

Keating needs to improve his decision making massively. His talent is not in doubt but with capable players waiting in the wings I don't think his position is guaranteed. For my money Kevin Tierney has massive potential for this position, he provides a real goal threat also

celt262

willabur wrote: »

Keating needs to improve his decision making massively. His talent is not in doubt but with capable players waiting in the wings I don't think his position is guaranteed. For my money Kevin Tierney has massive potential for this position, he provides a real goal threat also

Its a pity Hyland doesn't seem to think the same about Tierney.

willabur

he is still young and developing. Had some bad injuries so it might not be any harm to keep him back for next year, he will bring more of a surprise element

KeepTheFaith

Tierney is a solid player but is miles behind Keating in terms of pace and physicality. Even at U21 level he never looked commanding in the full forward line. He's made a few camoes at Senior level and failed to even get a score. A few have been very short apperances but even the longer ones have failed to see him register.

Western Pomise

Like to say fair play to Cavan for re-emerging at senior level in 2013.

Lemlin

willabur wrote: »

Keating needs to improve his decision making massively. His talent is not in doubt but with capable players waiting in the wings I don't think his position is guaranteed. For my money Kevin Tierney has massive potential for this position, he provides a real goal threat also

I'm looking forward to seeing how Keating does in the Dublin club championship with Sylvesters.

In regard to forward options, I know a man who attends Cavan matches at all grades and has good knowledge of the county scene and he is expecting alot from Paul O'Connor.

KeepTheFaith

Paul O'Connor looks a very good player. Not altogether unlike his cousin Cillian from Mayo. I think Tom Hayes has the makings of a mighty little corner forward.

Had Niall McDermott started v Kerry I firmly believe our first half attacking performance wouldn't have been nearly as inept. Great man to carry the ball, create opportunities and win frees.

This year was about getting the defence in order. Next year we need to branch out with the attacking plan.