By Niall McCoy

CAVAN delivered a message in their opening Lory Meagher Cup as they hit Warwickshire for a stunning 4-32, and they have another opportunity to stamp their authority on the competition when Monaghan visit Kingspan Breffni on Saturday.

There’s no chance of the 30-point winning margin being repeated against their neighbours, but they have shown in recent seasons that they are capable of getting by the Oriel County.

Sean Keating was the man of the moment last week as he hit 2-5 from play and earning himself on the three-player shortlist for the GAA’s hurling player of the week.

Ollie Bellew’s charges are being asked for a reaction after their disappointing league relegation, going down on the head-to-head rule after a home loss to Armagh.

Warwickshire were never going to really test them, but Monaghan should – with their opponents also opening with an impressive win last week as they eased past Leitrim.

While Keating caught the headlines, they had 10 different scorers in all with eight of those raising more than one flag. Liam O’Brien, Nicholas Kenny and Eamon Óg McAllister ensures they have potency across the forward line.

Undoubtedly, Cavan feel they should be good enough to operate at Nickey Rackard level, but they are yet to win the Lory Meagher and this could be the year where they make a really good stab at that.

Win this weekend and the scar tissue of relegation will really start to heal.