Dermot McCabe’s success with the Cavan minors five years ago ensures that he is in the spotlight for the currently vacant senior job

DERMOT McCabe is the latest name to be linked to the vacant Cavan managerial post after Terry Hyland’s decision to step away last Tuesday.

The Gowna man could not be contacted by Gaelic Life yesterday (Thursday) to confirm or deny the speculation, but a source within the county suggested that he could be open to the possibility of discussions with the Cavan County Board about the role.

McCabe has been building up experience within Cavan and was joint manager of the minor team that won the Ulster title in 2011. He has also gained experience as a development officer for Cavan GAA.

While nominations may yet be sought, it is expected that the county board will take the direct approach when seeking out suitable candidates.

Chairman Gerry Brady is set to appoint a committee who will approach a person or persons about the position rather than awaiting nominations. One man who seemed to pour cold water on any link to the job is former Mayo manager James Horan.

Speaking to the Anglo Celt newspaper on Tuesday, he said that while it was an attractive proposition, logistically it was unlikely to work out.
“It’d be an inviting job obviously from the point of view of all the u-21 success and the calibre of player that there is in Cavan,” said Horan. “But I don’t think it’s practical from where I am.”

No specific person was mentioned at Monday’s meeting of the county executive so the names being bandied about remain speculative.

Former u-21 manager Peter Reilly has had plenty of success at that level while Niall Lynch has done well on the club scene with Cavan, especially with Kingscourt. Cavan are also prepared to go outside the county if needs be. Malachy O’Rourke is one man that would have been on their radar, but he has thrown his lot in with Monaghan for a fifth season.

Armagh duo Oisin McConville and Aidan O’Rourke have also been mentioned on the grapevine, as has Tyrone’s Ciaran McBride. Gaelic Life understands that McConville is not interested in the job.