After their impressive Ulster MFC preliminary round defeat of the reigning All-Ireland champions, Down some weeks ago at Casement Park, Belfast, Cavan minor footballers were brought down to earth on Saturday 27th May at Brewster Park, Enniskillen when they went under to a very determined Donegal side in the Ulster MFC quarter-final game on a scoreline of 0-12 to 0-6. Ten wides by the Breffni side in the opening half of the game contributed to their defeat much to the disappointment of the large Cavan following in attendance on an evening that was perfect for football except for the strong breeze. The Donegal side led at the interval by 0-5 to 0-3, but on the run of the play it was their opponents who should have been going in at the break at least two to three points ahead. Some of the efforts at scoring by the Cavan forwards left a lot to be desired, and in the end it cost them the game. To the credit of the Donegal side they built on their good fortune in the third quarter of the game and by the 48th minute they had increased their lead to five points 0-9 to 0-4. Cavan tried to come back into the match in the closing quarter but the goal they needed to kickstart their recovery never looked on. Donegal showed why they are the Ulster league champions this season - they were disciplined in defence where full-back Shane Boyle was in commanding form, ably supported by his fellow defenders especially half-back Paul McGinley. Indeed, the winners grew in confidence in the closing ten minutes and thwarted the Cavan sides best efforts. They punished their opponents with quick breakaways out of defence, and in the end were good value for their six points win. On this form, Donegal have a side that are well capable of going all the way this season at least in Ulster. They play well as a team, know how to defend in numbers, and some of their forward play was clinical and of the highest order. What of Cavan? After their fine performance against Down last time out, Jody Clarke's side looked one of rich potential. Alas, as has been the norm in recent seasons with Cavan minor sides they failed to deliver when the chips were down. They had enough quality possession to at least be in contention for a win coming into the final minutes. However, when you make good scoring opportunities and don't take them against quality opposition then you pay the price. Donegal - L. McFadden; B. Shovlin, S. Boyle, M. McGowan; P. McGinley 0-1, L. McAloone 0-1, D. Walsh; R. Wherity, A. Lynch; E. Wade 0-1, M. Murphy 0-3, 2 frees, M. McElhinney; D. Molloy 0-1 free, D. Gallagher 0-3, one free, G. Ward 0-1. Subs - D. Gavigan for Lynch; B. Faherty for Wherity; C. McGeeney for Gallagher; D. McGarvey 0-1 for Molloy. Cavan - J. McEvoy; N. O'Reilly, T. Smith, D. O'Reilly; J. McEnroe, Dane O'Dowd, B. Watters; R. Dunne, Raymond Cullivan 0-1; Colm Smith 0-1 free, Paddy Brady, Eugene Keating 0-1; E. McHugh 0-1, Conor Smith, Enda Gaffney 0-1 from a free. Subs - Martin Dunne 0-1 for Gaffney; M. Cunningham for Conor Smith; Sean Higgins for Rory Dunne. Referee - D. McQuillan (Monaghan). Cavan Youth Board G.A.A. notice re. U-16 and minor competitions Due to poor weather and unavailability of pitches all U-16 and minor competitions have been deferred until after the Junior and Leaving certificate examinations. Cavan Youth Board would like to take this opportunity to wish all those involved in examinations every success in the coming weeks. Tweet

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