LORY MEAGHER CUP ROUND TWO

Cavan v Leitrim

Sunday, Kingspan Breffni, 2pm

By Niall Gartland

ON paper, you might think that Cavan hurlers have turned a corner with a narrow defeat to Monaghan in their Lory Meagher opener, but appearances can be deceiving.

The Breffni hurlers lost out by 3-9 to 2-9 to Monaghan, but the Farney could’ve been out of sight long before the final whistle, hitting 18 wides and missing a glut of goal chances.

That said, Cavan deserve credit for battling to the bitter end, and gave themselves a chance of an upset with Fiachra Hughes slotting home a late penalty.

This is Cavan’s second group stage match of five, and defeat would effectively scupper their chances of qualifying for the final, which will be held on the weekend of May 2122.

Connacht side Leitrim will be in good form after claiming a one-point victory over Longford in their championship opener. Joe Murray kept his nerve to drive a late penalty to the back of the net, and they’re favourites to back it up with another win after getting the better of Cavan in Division 3B of the league this year, running out relatively comfortable 1-13 to 0-9 victors.

It’s fair to say it hasn’t been a straightforward season for the Breffni hurlers – this is their sixth game this year and they’re yet to pick up a single victory.

The main reason for that is that ten players who were involved in 2021 have moved on, but having an elongated Lory Meagher campaign should definitely aid their progression (last year teams were only guaranteed one or two games, depending on their group, but this year there are at least five matches for all teams). If they pick up a win this weekend, it’ll definitely put a more positive complexion on things anyway.