ULSTER SFC QUARTER-FINAL Cavan v Fermanagh: Today, throw-in – 5.30pm Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan Live on RTÉ 2 & BBC 2
MAYBE TOMMY Carr has been doing enough unseen work behind the scenes in Cavan; a football county, for sure, but one that has failed to unsettle the pecking order in Ulster since 1997.
Fermanagh are a team brimming with intent, despite lacking a primary go-to man in attack, a Stephen McDonnell or a Matty Forde, someone to galvanise them when the opportunity comes to take that step up to the next level.
At least new boy Ryan Carson looks like a studious gatherer of placed-ball points. Still, they handled Down and should prove too strong for Cavan. Unless . . .
Seánie Johnston reappeared for Cavan last week after injury to kick 0-8 against Wexford in a challenge match.
The great hope that Michael Lyng would reach maturity soon has again been crushed by injury and Paul Brady is also unavailable as he defends his USHA National US Open handball title, but Carr retains some options.
Jason O’Reilly, Ger Pierson and Larry Reilly are held in reserve, but they still require a special happening if we are to go by the evidence before our eyes.
Fermanagh’s All Star full back Barry Owens is said to be available again, but is not included just yet. He wears number 29. The number 30 shirt goes to Mark Murphy who rejoined comrades after a period of contemplation in Australia.
So, their strength in depth has improved since the dismissal of Down.
CAVAN: J Reilly; M Hannon, D Sheridan, M Brides; J McCutcheon, E Keating, P O'Reilly; N Walsh, C Galligan; S Brady, R Flanagan, C Mackey; M Reilly, R Cullivan, S Johnston.
FERMANAGH: C Breen; N Bogue, S Lyons, H Brady; R McCluskey, S McDermott, T McElroy; M McGrath, J Sherry; R Keenan, C McElroy, M Little; D Keenan, R Carson, E Maguire.
Referee: R Hickey(Clare).
In the last episode: The last championship meeting was in the 2003 qualifiers. Fermanagh were coming off a defeat to Down, but Dom Corrigan's team recovered to prevail, 0-16 to 1-10, in Enniskillen.
You bet: Cavan are 11/8 to win, Fermanagh 5/6 with the draw 13/2.
Gaining ground: At its height in the 12th century, the Kingdom of Bréifne under Tiernan O'Rourke extended from Kells, Co Meath to Drumcliffe, Co Sligo. Cavan would be content to rediscover the success of the late 1940s.
On your marks: Fermanagh are already in championship mode having overcome Down, while Cavan's mediocre Division Three league form has been bolstered by the return of lead marksman Seanie Johnston (right) from injury.
Just the ticket: There are limited stand tickets left for €25 – otherwise it is €15 for the terrace.
Crystal gazing: Fermanagh had a bad league, which they quickly shelved against Down, and nothing short of an Ulster final return will suffice for Malachy O'Rourke.
