By Shaun Casey

IN their first competitive game of the season, Cavan claimed the Ulster Intermediate crown and will want to carry that momentum into the All-Ireland series, says manager Philip Brady.

They came from behind early on to defeat Tyrone in the provincial decider and a first-half goal from player of the match Shanise Fitzsimons was the crucial score in seeing them over the line.

They enter the All-Ireland Junior Championship this weekend and take on Wicklow away from home in the opening round ahead of derby day fixtures with Ulster rivals Tyrone and Armagh in the coming weeks.

“Armagh are the overwhelming favourites to win the All-Ireland after being in the final the last couple of years and we don’t know a lot of the teams we’ll be playing,” Brady said.

“We don’t know an awful lot about them having not been involved in the last couple of years, so we have a lot to try and prepare without even worrying about other teams.

“We have to get our own house in order before we do anything else. It’s going to be tough given we’ve only played one game.

“Our goal I suppose is to try and make an All-Ireland semi-final. It’s good to have a team back in Cavan for our underage to aspire for, something to move into once they get out of minor, onto the U23s and seniors.”

While it’s been a testing spell, trying to get the team together again, Brady admits he has been enjoying the journey so far. “We’re only together maybe four or five weeks,” he added.

“Basically, the girls decided after the National League that they wanted to try and get a team in and they came to me looking me to coach them.

“We spent about two weeks trying to get a panel together. We had a good few injuries ahead of the Ulster final, but they should all be back for the first round of the championship.

“I enjoy it. The group that is there, they’re very talented, they’re a great bunch and they don’t need a lot of motivation. They’re very self-motivated and they’re a good group to be involved with so I have enjoyed it.

“I obviously have high expectations of the team and myself so you’re always trying to go out and win but I don’t know where we’re at, and that’s the tricky bit.

“Obviously the Ulster final was good to win but I don’t think Tyrone are as bad and I don’t know if we’re as good as what we showed. I know we can get to where we need to get to but it’s going to be a tricky few months.

“We’re really enjoying it and I think everyone is just happy that there’s a team back in Cavan again and we’re excited. We’re looking forward to the challenge and looking forward to the pressure of championship; that’s the reason you play the game.”