While understanding that we were basically promoted we lost the last two league games and proceeded to have a dismal first half in Croker against Fermanagh. This new structure of league running into championship is new and has caught teams on the hop already. I hope we haven't peaked too soon and that is was more of a "Don't completely kill yourselves lads" considering the championship was coming down the track.

Make no mistake we have to go all in on this one and it is setup as a real 50/50 game. For me, Miller could be the difference. He certainly needed game time but he came into the team towards the end of the league with an energy that's great to see. He has no idea of his own strength. Probably a little worried about the effectiveness of our half forward line too and while we have got the hard work from them we need to get more scores/forward bite from them.

Cavan by .000000001 ...

ponger (Cavan) - Posts: 555 - 18/04/2023 15:21:09    2471600

Very excited for Saturday evening's clash. All year long we've all been secretly keeping an eye on Armagh. Now all roads have lead to Kingspan Breffini Park. Cavan's team will hopefully be peaking in conditioning and in there fitness for Saturday. The tactics will have been discussed, and debated, the Armagh teams plans discussed, and assessed and the players will biting at the bit to get going. 18.30 is a brilliant time for a game, hopefully with a big crowd and decent weather to be in the mix too. Armagh will surely bring a big crowd, so hopefully can bring a lively vocal crowd. The Ulster Championship Monaghan game last Sunday was brilliant, so can see Cavan their A game too. The match ups will be fascinating. Where will McVeety play? Who will take Jarley Óg Burns? Cavan must have a plan for midfield battles, and the treat of Rafferty joining the attack. Yes Armagh will have played at a faster, and more intense pace in Div 1 compared to Div 3, but Cavan must stand strong and tall. Armagh have played open and tight, so probably expect a bit of a mix. Tactics as always will come into it. I'd imagine Armagh will know that Cavan's strongest line is the half back line, and expect them to put a lot of physical pressure on Cavan. Its very important for Cavan not to get involved in any dirty stuff. Be careful, and patient. The score will be close, a goal or two maybe key, and here's hoping Cavan come out on top. An Cabhán Abú

Breffini1967 (Cavan) - Posts: 18 - 19/04/2023 18:53:55    2471855

How we feeling for Saturday now folks? Think the teams will be submitted late today and released tomorrow, so we'll have an idea where both teams are. I'm feeling oddly confident for the game. We always have something for Championship, and if there's any higher ranked team in Ulster you'd like to get at, it would be Armagh. Just the way we match up, their form, their ability to win in Ulster and recent with us... They'll be second guessing themselves a bit too and no reason we can't get at them with this. They might be missing their 2 best forwards, and while we may be missing one or two too, I'm hoping our injuries have cleared up, and we have everything aimed toward this game. If we get a lot of our things right as we can at home, then we can win this. Midfield is where we can get them, and as mentioned by someone above, likes of James the Miller will have a big say. I've confidence in the lads and Mickey. Cavan by 2

Loughduff Lad (Cavan) - Posts: 2466 - 20/04/2023 09:17:29    2471892

Breffni1969 (Cavan) - Posts: 510 - 20/04/2023 10:13:37    2471902

I don't see how anyone can say midfield is where we can get at or hurt Armagh…. It is by far our weakest area and unless they are worse ( I doubt it ) we will be cleaned out there… Kick outs are almost certain to go short by us so it depends on what they do with theirs…. It will depend on McGeeneys approach to the game… if he goes for it and lets his team attack like they can then there will be only one winner… if he goes negative it will keep us in the game .. If we can keep it close going deep into the game it will sow doubt into the Armagh team who at times can be fragile….. This could go to extra time

ForeverBlue2 (Cavan) - Posts: 3865 - 20/04/2023 10:59:52    2471914

Mike_Clitoris69 (Cavan) - Posts: 230 - 20/04/2023 12:13:35    2471939

I dunno lads. We're obviously not world beaters at midfield, but I've seen a few Armagh games this year that were on TV, and I think we have them there. Any other bit of reading I've done on them before has their fans and some commentators saying that's where they'll struggle. Hence their keeper coming up to compete at times for opposition kickouts. If we get our combos and tactics right for there, if Smith has a big game with strong lads running off him, I see no reason we can't get at them there.

Loughduff Lad (Cavan) - Posts: 2466 - 20/04/2023 15:49:30    2471990

ForeverBlue2 (Cavan) - Posts: 3865 - 20/04/2023 16:27:16    2472002

i see we are in Clones for the semi final which is handy

breffnibluewhite (Cavan) - Posts: 485 - 20/04/2023 21:42:38    2472051

ForeverBlue2 (Cavan) - Posts: 3865 - 21/04/2023 10:52:12    2472108

Team is out:

1 Galligan
2 Clarke
3 Faulkner
4 McLoughlin
5 Ciaran Brady
6 Kiernan
7 Gerry Smith
8 McKiernan
9 James Smith
10 Conor Brady
11 McVeety
12 McCabe
13 Cian Madden
14 Lynch
15 Oisin Brady

Bench: Liam Brady, Moynagh, Conor Madden, Carolan, Tiarnan Madden, Boylan, O'Neill, McKenna, Killian Brady, Martin Reilly, Conor Smith

That looks strong to me. Some unlucky to miss out, but likely to be a change or two, and a strong bench to come in when required. Some with numbers on their back but might not play there. I can see Clarke more up in the middle of the field at times with McKiernan pushing into the forwards, and Oisin Kiernan and McVeety swapping a bit. But jeez, I like the look of this team. Best of luck lads

Loughduff Lad (Cavan) - Posts: 2466 - 21/04/2023 11:11:52    2472119

Its like this, play to our full potential like the 2nd half in Croke Park and I think we can beat Armagh. But, play like we did in the first half in Croker and the week before that in Breffni, there's not a hope in hell of beating them. We need to come of the blocks very fast with intensity, if we come out slow and laboured, then I would worry.
If we play well, I can see us winning by 3/4 points, but apparently the weather isnt looking good either, so it could be a very scrappy game.

cavanblueman (Cavan) - Posts: 636 - 21/04/2023 11:58:10    2472140

Breffni1969 (Cavan) - Posts: 510 - 21/04/2023 12:22:19    2472148

Loughduff Lad (Cavan) - Posts: 2466 - 21/04/2023 12:30:09    2472153

What's the point in lining out players in positions they clearly ( and hopefully ) won't be playing in… ? Do they think Armagh are going to be fooled or what… nonsense stuff

ForeverBlue2 (Cavan) - Posts: 3865 - 21/04/2023 12:54:29    2472167

Breffni1969 (Cavan) - Posts: 510 - 21/04/2023 13:10:39    2472172

Loughduff Lad (Cavan) - Posts: 2466 - 21/04/2023 13:57:39    2472194

Loughduff Lad (Cavan) - Posts: 2466 - 21/04/2023 14:04:55    2472202

Breffni1969 (Cavan) - Posts: 510 - 21/04/2023 14:36:34    2472222

ForeverBlue2 (Cavan) - Posts: 3865 - 21/04/2023 14:51:09    2472227