Cavan bidding for a third victory

By Michael McMullan

PLENTY of water will pass under the bridge before the promotion spots are set in stone, Cavan are at least in the early conversation.

That’s where they want to be. Then it’s about eying the steps forward.

Last season was a relegation story to the third tier for the Breffni Blues. It’s more promising now.

A two-point win over Louth was followed by a convincing victory against Down. Both away. A positive start.

For captain Shauna Lynch, Emmet Daly coming in as manager made a difference.

“I do think it’s a complete refresh in terms of the management and a lot of new players this year,” she said.

“Whether it’s girls coming back in or the minor girls stepping up as well, it has definitely been a big impact.

“I suppose everybody’s just gelling together quite well and it’s just coming together really well, at a good time.”

Two wins help, but it’s early days. Promotion is about building blocks. Sunday is the next step. It’s Carlow and they’re expecting a tough challenge.

“The ultimate goal is to get promoted,” Lynch highlighted. “We got relegated to Division Three last year but I suppose it was a different team last year.”

They’ll worry about championship football when they need to but promotion would be a strong base.

“We’ll definitely be looking towards promotion, hopefully, if things keep going well but it’s still obviously very early days.”

Taking the next game at a time is very often the mantra. Many in the media and readers will say it’s a sporting cliché. Deep inside a team environment, there is no other way.

“The focus is just turned to Carlow right away,” Lynch said. “You can’t really look much further, you just don’t know what’s going to happen.

“You have the likes of injuries and things like that, so you can never get too complacent or for your expectations too crazy.”

Away from the senior ranks, the Cavan underage production line has been busy churning out talented players with the added boost of underage success.

“Since I was minor, we would have won Ulster A titles,” she added, hailing the efforts of Mick Flynn and how county have linked in with Loreto College to help develop players.

“We were unbelievable at minor and then I suppose they progressed then. Obviously, winning the All-Ireland last year was class so we definitely hope those coming through will help build a better team and a stronger team up at senior level.

“Mick’s knowledge of Cavan football is outrageous and his interest is just outrageous.

“From when I was u-14, Mick was around county set-ups and then getting involved with the Loreto girls.

“They are the main girls’ school in Cavan and they’ve had great success over the years too.”

With the foundations in place, Cavan needed to move it up into the senior ranks. There are plenty of steps ahead of them on the ladder. For now, it’s Carlow time.