Donnelly joins Daly’s management team in Cavan

By Michael McMullan

CAVAN LGFA manager Emmet Daly has announced his management team as he embarks on a third season in charge.

Former Down manager Colm Donnelly joining the set up, teaming up with Head Coach Donal Farrelly.

Mattie Cahill, Killian Tracey and Debbie Lee Gaffney are coaches/Selectors.

Andy Tsang is their Lead S&C Coach with Kelley Fay as Sports Psychologist.

Cavan have enjoyed back-to-back promotions under Daly’s watch and will play in Division One next season.

They have also won the Ulster Intermediate Championship in the last two seasons, with Donnelly having led Down to the title in 2024.

“We are delighted to have Colm come on board to help in what is going to be a massive challenge next year playing in Division One of the league, but one we will relish and face head on,” Daly outlined.

“To be playing competitive football against the likes of Galway, Kerry, Armagh and Dublin is not a position any Cavan team have ever been in but we have magnificent group of players to choose from for next season.

“There are players in our county who have won All-Irelands, whether it was with Cavan in 2013 or underage titles with county teams.

“We have All-Ireland School Champions and All-Ireland Club Champions in our county. Yes we will be entering most League games as underdogs, we acknowledge that situation, but we absolutely do not fear it.”

Next step

While there has been progress, Daly has highlighted their All-Ireland record as an area of focus.

“In 2025 we suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Westmeath in the quarter-final stage,” he said.

“This year we failed to make it out of the group stages. Cavan Ladies won the All-Ireland Intermediate Championship in 2013.

“That is the last time we have reached a semi-final, never mind Croke Park. Without question, it is something we will be looking to rectify in 2027.”