Diarmuid Scullion is looking forward to Cavan’s Ulster SFC quarter-final against Monaghan this weekend.

Clones hosts the fixture and the Cavan coach is acutely aware of the fierce rivalry that exists between the neighbouring counties who will both ply their trade in Division 2 of the Allianz Football League next year. While Cavan just about held their status with wins over relegated sides Kildare and Offaly, Monaghan were demoted from Division 1 on the back of seven straight defeats.

“The way the Ulster Championship is, you can’t take it any more than one game at a time,” the former Scotstown coach said at the recent Ulster SFC launch.

“For us, it’s going to Clones to play Monaghan. There’s a huge rivalry between Cavan and Monaghan - it’s always been there - and we know we’ll have to be at our best if we want to get anything out of the game.

“There’s an unbelievable spirit among the Cavan players. Even though there were a few weeks where results went against us in the League, it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm. The players still want to pull on the county jersey and get stuck into training.”

Scullion added: “The last few championship games between Cavan and Monaghan, form has gone out the window. We have a number of players in our team who relish these big experiences, and that’s something we’ll have to draw on.

“But I’m very aware of how good Monaghan are as well. You can’t underestimate the role of someone like Rory Beggan in the new game. The importance of a goalkeeper, kick-outs, and his ability to kick two-point frees. They certainly have a lot of good players that we’ll have to do our homework on.”

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