Gowna back knocking on the Ulster door

By Michael McMullan

GOWNA are Cavan champions for the third time in five seasons and making a breakthrough in Ulster is now firmly on the agenda.

The band of brothers welcome 11-time champions Crossmaglen to Kingspan Breffni Park as they aim to breathe some Breffni life into the competition.

There is no Cavan name etched on the Seamus McFerran Cup.

Since Cavan Gaels lost the 2017 final, one of five finals a Breffni club have contested, the various Cavan champions have been very close without actually winning a game.

Kingscourt Stars lost narrowly to Erne Gaels last season.

Gowna were within touching distances on the two occasions before that. They had Naomh Conaill beaten only for the Donegal champions to turn a late sideline ball into Kevin McGettigan’s dramatic winning goal.

“That was a sickener,” said Gowna skipper Conor Brady at last week’s Ulster Club launch.

“All we had to do was defend the last ball but they worked it well. They pushed Glen tight to a point after that and then Glen went on to win the All-Ireland.

“It’s fine margins. The year before we were beaten on penalties (against Enniskillen Gaels) and we probably underperformed that day as well.”

They are looking forward to another chance this weekend with Crossmaglen coming to town. It is one of four mouthwatering quarter-finals.

Crossmaglen and reigning champions Scotstown are the only teams to have won the title. Gowna are back after a complete performance dethroned the Stars in the final.

“We were in the final last year and I suppose we didn’t perform and it was 12 months or trying to rectify it,” Brady said or a performance that left the man of the match selectors scratching their heads.

“It showed how hungry lads were coming into the game. Everyone stepped up, with no one maybe head and shoulders above anyone.

“Everyone did their bit. The man pof the match was hard to pick. Mark Brady was excellent and got the nod but I suppose there were heavy debates between ourselves.”

Gowna knew they had the talent and the work done. Seeing it all come to fruition on the day brought a mixture of relief and satisfaction.

Adding to the mix

While Brady said there were no wholesale changes, manager Vinnie Corey brought Ross Munnelly in after the Laois season to add to the mix.

“We also backed ourselves,” Brady added. “Previously, we might have gone into a shell a little bit but the lads really expressed themselves.”

At 28 Brady was the oldest starter on a team coming into its prime. A few older players came off the bench with an overall average age coming in at around 22 or 23.

“We have a seriously young team so it’s excusable at times that young players maybe aren’t consistent,” Brady added.

“The young lads, maybe 19, 20 year olds are really stepping up and becoming consistent week in, week out.”

Looking ahead to Saturday, Brady is fully aware of the Crossmaglen threat. He uses the words ‘red hot’ to sum up the Armagh champions.

“They have top, top players all over the field,” he added. “It’s a challenge for us and something that we’re looking forward to.”

One thing Gowna won’t lack is togetherness. Conor, Ryan and Aaron Brady are three brothers. Another four Brady brothers – Cormac, Fionán, Cillian and Fiachra – are cousins.

There are eight Maddens. Cian, Tiarnan, Daire and Odhran are brothers. Conor, DJ and Ryan are their cousins. Caolan Madden is a different clann.

Eoghan and Cian Hartin are brothers. Seanie is a cousin Their fathers and Mark Brady’s father Joe played against Crossmaglen in 1999. TJ and Robbie Fitzpatrick are brothers.

Kilcoo didn’t make it out of Down. The Derry clubs have been successful but their champions take on Scotstown in the other side of the draw.

The fact the winners in Breffni this week face a shot at Edendork or St Brigid’s – both newcomers – leave Saturday as a clash with plenty at stake. For Cavan, it’s simpler than that. It’s a chance for a first win since Cavan Gaels’ 2017 replay win over Derrygonnelly.