CAVAN are edging closer to appointing a successor to Mickey Graham with interviews with candidates held this week.

Gaelic Life understands that the Breffni County met with three of the four parties who had registered an interest in the position this week with Michael McDermott withdrawing from the process before the interview stage.

Former Down player Danny Hughes and Cavan pair Raymond Galligan and Jason O’Reilly remain in the running.

Saval man Hughes helped his club to an impressive Down Intermediate title last season and will line out for them in this weekend’s Down SFC derby with Glenn.

Galligan, who captained Cavan to their Ulster title under Graham in 2020, is approaching the role as a view to managing the side rather than as a player-manager. He too is currently in the midst of a senior championship campaign having scored 2-6 at full-forward in their loss to Gowna.

O’Reilly is the current manager of Cavan Gaels, who he helped to a senior title previously. He also won an IFC title in 2012 with Galligan a key man up front.

Graham stepped down from the role in 2012 after five years at the helm.

“Mickey took charge of our senior footballers in 2019, during his term Cavan won an Ulster title, 2 Allianz Football League titles and competed in the inaugural Tailteann Cup final,” Cavan said as he departed.

“Mickey is leaving Cavan GAA in a strong position where they will now be competing in Division 2 in 2024.”