Cavan Gaels manager Jason O'Reilly hailed his side's character after they qualified for their first Ulster club SFC final in 40 years.

A late, late Barry Fortune goal handed the Gaels a dramatic 5-7 to 2-15 victory over Derrygonnelly in a crazy semi-final replay at Clones yesterday. The Terry Coyle Park outfit will now face holders Slaughtneil in next Sunday's final and O'Reilly acknowledges the need for improvement.

"When they were in front in stoppage-time, it was essential for us not to panic and they didn't panic and fought to the bitter end," the 1997 Cavan Ulster SFC winner told the Irish News.

"There were aspects of our play today when we were turned over and we wasted possession too often and that will have to be tightened up on before the final, but it's great to be in the final after so many years."

His Derrygonnelly counterpart Martin Greene was also proud of his players after they had recovered from the concession of four goals in a 10-minute spell either side of half-time to get themselves into a winning position.

"We conceded three in four minutes (before half-time) and that made it difficult, but fair play to the boys, they came back and showed the character that is in this team. They showed great fighting spirit, but in the end it's bitter disappointment," he said.

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