By Shaun Casey

GABRIEL Bannigan has named his squad to face Cavan on Sunday in the opening round of the Ulster Championship at St Tiernach’s Park, Clones.

Some of the bigger names that missed out during the league through injury don’t make the starting 15, but have been listed among the subs.

Conor McCarthy and Killian Lavelle saw absolutely no game time throughout their Division One campaign, but are both available for selection should they be required at any time. Ryan McAnespie and Gary Mohan don’t make the cut however.

Experienced netminder Rory Beggan starts between the sticks while Darragh McElearney, Ryan O’Toole and Dylan Byrne, making his first appearance of the season, make up the last line of defence.

Dessie Ward will man the centre of the back line in his centre half back spot while Cameron Dowd and Aaron Carey are on the wings. Louis Kelly has returned from injury and will partner Mícheál McCarville in the middle of the field.

Karl Gallagher, team captain Mícheál Bannigan and Stephen O’Hanlon have plenty of pace across the half forward line while David Garland, Andrew Woods and Stephen Mooney make up the inside line.

It’s a first championship meeting between the two arch-rivals since 2024 and the Breffni Blues have gained the upper hand in the last three championship encounters.

MONAGHAN
Rory Beggan
Darragh McElearney
Ryan O’Toole
Dylan Byrne
Cameron Dowd
Dessie Ward
Aaron Carey
Mícheál McCarville
Louis Kelly
Karl Gallagher
Mícheál Bannigan
Stephen O’Hanlon
David Garland
Andrew Woods
Stephen Mooney

SUBS
Kian Mulligan
Thomas Hughes
Robbie Hanratty
Bobbie McCaul
Ryan Mohan
Conor McCarthy
Ryan Duffy
Killian Lavelle
Oisin McGorman
Jack McCarron
Shane Hanratty