CAVAN in the 'nineties have done reasonably well in the under-21 grade, remembering they reached an All-Ireland Final in this grade some years ago under the guidance of Martin McHugh only to lose to Kerry in a memorable encounter played at Semple Stadium, writes PJ Carroll. From that side came many of the present senior team including Peter and Larry Reilly, Mickey Graham, Dermot McCabe, Anthony Forde, Jason Reilly among others. However, over the past few seasons results have been disappointing. They lost last season in the semi-final of the Ulster championship to a far from vintage Fermanagh side at the Brewster Park, Enniskillen venue. In that encounter Cavan looked in with every chance of coming away with something from the game. However, they 'lost their way' in the final quarter, and with it elimination from the competition for John Brady's side. Fermanagh for their part were outclassed by a strong Tyrone side in the delayed Ulster decider, with the O'Neill county going on to win back-to-back All-Ireland titles at this grade. With the commencement of this seasons Hastings Cup competition organised by the Longford Co. Board, and always a good guideline to the form or otherwise of teams preparing for their respective championships, Cavan weren't fancied to come out of a strong group that included reigning All-Ireland champions Tyrone, Monaghan and Leitrim. Many followers were of the opinion that this side would be seen at their best in 2003, and may lack in strength and experience, especially against teams such as Monaghan and Tyrone. They started their Hastings Cup campaign with a tricky tie away to Monaghan in Scots-town. The Farney side have a strong side this season including county senior players such as Thomas Freeman and Dick Clerkin among others, and with 'home advantage' were expected to win the 'local derby' battle. It was close as is the norm, but in the end the match ended in a draw. Next up was a meeting with Tyrone at the Ballyhaise venue. The champions started the game in commanding fashion and looked likely winners as the game entered the final twenty minutes. Cavan, changed their tactics some-what and in the final quarter dominated the proceedings, and ran out worthy and deserving winners of a good, competitive match. This success coming so early in the season was a tremendous morale-booster to the Cavan players and their management team. Now, all they had to do was 'hold their nerve' and take the points against Leitrim the following Saturday at the same venue. After the 'highs' of the Tyrone encounter, the Leitrim game was something of an anti-climax. The home side were always on top, against a very poorly organised Leitrim side, but didn't put their superiority on the scoreboard until the closing minutes of the match when Castlerahan youngster, Sean Brady got through for an opportunist goal. With this success, Cavan were through to the knock-out stages of the competition, and a meeting with Offaly at the Longford venue. This proved a physically tough encounter, with no quarter asked or given. From a Cavan viewpoint it showed the side could 'mix it' when necessary, and it was made all the more pleasing to come away with an 0-10 to 0-8 success. Playing quality games such as these has brought the team on a mile. They have settled down as a solid unit, especially in defence where the full-back line of P. Fitzsimoms and the Hannon brothers from the Drumgoon club have excelled, and are hard to pass. Other defenders to catch the eye include the Cavan Gaels clubman, Eamon Reilly - son of Eugene, youngest of the Reilly footballing brothers, who was a prominent defender with the Gaels club in the 'seventies and 'eighties. Eamon has had an outstanding season for his club in senior and under-21 ranks over the past few seasons. Behind them Jimmy Reilly from the Drung GFC has had senior county experience in recent seasons, and his tremendous kick-out is a massive 'plus' to this under-21 side. In the modern game it is important to have a strong and mobile midfield, and this current Cavan side seemed to be well catered for in this sector. The hugely talented Paddy Brady (Gowna) is one of the Breffni stars of the future - he is eligible to play county minor football again this season - and when on song can be a potential match-winner. His partner in recent games is another Cavan Gaels stalwart Enda King whose great physical strength and willingness to work all over the field makes him a key player in the set-up. King is son of former Cavan and Laragh Utd. player Adge King, and interestingly has won the 'man of the match' in both the senior and under-21 county finals in Cavan in 2001. Senior player Michael Brides (Redhills) has been drafted into the under-21 attack to give it added strength, and looks a good addition. However, the 'playmaker' supreme in the side is Gowna's Gerard Pierson who is having an outstanding season to date, and is the sides top scorer. Other prominent players include Pierson's club team-mate Mark McKeever, Paul O'Donnell (Cavan Gaels), and Eamon Reilly from the Shannon Gaels club. Add to this James Clarke from Killinkere - remember his outstanding display for the county minors last season in the defeat of Down, and the youngster Sean Brady (Castlerahan) who is also eligible for the minor side again this season. If there is an area in the side that could do with some strengthening it has to be the attack. Too much reliance is put on the scoring ability of Pierson, and if he has 'an off day' then what? No doubt, Manager John Brady himself a former county senior star, and a player always keen on tactics and forward play during his inter-county career will be able to address this situation come championship time, and the clash at home to Armagh. For the present, Brady and his players have done everything that has been asked of them. They have shown they know how to win games against different styles of teams i.e. Tyrone and Offaly. However, their big test comes against Armagh. All the good performances in the Hastings Cup competition and challenge games will count for nought if they don't produce the goods against the Orchard county. They have created their own interest within the county with their impressive performances to date, and no doubt Manager Brady will be hoping to atone for the disappointment last season in the semi-final defeat by Fermanagh. Unlike former seasons when Tyrone were clear favourites for Ulster championship honours, the standard seems very even in 2002. This could be the year when one side well prepared and on a winning run could make the breakthrough. Hopefully, this current Cavan side will fit the bill..... Tweet

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