Cavan v Fermanagh

Sunday, Kingspan Breffni, 2pm

THIS is one of those matches that’s very hard to predict for the rather obvious reason that precedent suggests there isn’t a massive amount between the teams.

Cavan got a victory over Fermanagh in the league last year, and they played out a draw in the Lory Meaghar competition, but it was the Erne county who actually ended up in the final, losing to a superior Louth outfit.

Fermanagh have welcomed back a number of players this season, including Ryan Bogue and Thomas Cleary. They have also taken advantage of the three player rule for weaker counties and brought in Barney McAuley from Loughgiel, Ruairi Bannon from Loch Mor dal gCais in Antrim  and Kevin McGarry who is from Fermanagh but has been hurling for Portaferry in recent years.

At the weekend, they played a challenge match against St Peter’s Warrenpoint and racked up an impressive 3-33.

Cavan, meanwhile, have also availed of the Croke Park-approved guest players –  in their case three players who hurl with Dublin superpower Cuala, namely Brian Fitzgerald and brothers Colum and Cillian Sheanon.

As stated, there isn’t a massive amount between the teams, but Fermanagh look to have a strong panel this year and should have gained some confidence from reaching the Lory Meagher final.

Verdict: Fermanagh