Cavan’s Gearoid McKiernan

Yesterday Cavan proved that they deserve respect in this year’s Championship when they overcame a challenge from Armagh, winning 2-16 to 0-14.

The Breffni men were favourites beforehand, but the manner of their win, their balanced performance, the star performances, and the manner they dealt with Armagh’s battling display suggests that they are a tougher prospect than they have been in years before.

For periods in the game Armagh looked like they might cause the Breffni county some problems, particularly when they earned a penalty in the second half, however, when Stefan Campbell’s shot ricocheted off the bar, and Cavan went down to the other end of the field and scored a barnstorming point, it was game over.

Had Armagh scored it would have been a three point game, instead it was a seven point lead and Armagh’s heads dropped.

Cavan had star performances all over the field; Raymond Galligan in goal, as he kicked two frees, Killian Clarke and Padraig in the full back line, Conor Moynagh at half back. The mighty Gearoid McKiernan reaffirmed the belief that he is among the top five players in Ireland with his charging runs at the Armagh defence, then there was Dara McVeety’s 1-1, Martin Reilly’s industrious display, and Seanie Johnston’s 0-7.

Next up for Cavan is a meeting with Tyrone, the team they lost to in the league final. Can they turn that result around?

For now, the Breffni fans just wanted to praise their players:

Very well deserved Man of the Match award for Martin Reilly today. Absolutely outstanding all day long. Fair play. @CavanCoBoardGaa

— Robbie (@robbiekane7) May 29, 2016

Great win today for @CavanCoBoardGaa
Lads put in a serious shift and were deserving winners ??⚪️? @killianclarke33 pic.twitter.com/OrUVcHwAEs

— Eoin Maguire (@EoinMaguire9) May 29, 2016

Gearoid McKiernan- Very similar style to Aidan O’Shea, has the potential to be even better in my opinion

— BallSportsChat (@ballsportschat) May 29, 2016

Gearoid Mckiernan can do it all, field a high ball, kick scores off both feet, penetrate the defence with pace, reminds me of @macobeans7

— Ronan Mcguire (@RonanMc15) May 29, 2016

Ha ha thanks @DolanShiv ?@gumball87 sent me a good luck text ? Well Done @RaymondGalligan you had a great game ?

— Aishling Brady (@AishyBashyBrady) May 29, 2016

Stefan Campbell has been outstanding today, one of the few positives for Armagh

— BallSportsChat (@ballsportschat) May 29, 2016

Armagh’s haven’t functioned in that first-half and they’ve struggled to get Stefan Campbell involved from play.

— Kevin O’Brien (@Kevobrien7) May 29, 2016