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The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘Dare to Dream' – Seanie Johnston says Cavan's Mayo shock has Breffni dreaming big again
FORMER Cavan attacker Seánie Johnston believes his county can dare to dream again after shocking Mayo. The Advertisement 2 Cavan icon Seanie Johnston reckons the Breffni can dare to dream after their shock win over Mayo 2 Cavan face Donegal tomorrow as they look to add another major scalp The last time Cavan beat Mayo in Championship football had been 1948 — in the All-Ireland final. Breffni icon John Joe O'Reilly lifted Sam Maguire for the second year in a row, having first done so in the Polo Grounds in New York. Memories of those glory days were stirred a fortnight ago at MacHale Park as Ray Galligan's men sank All of the focus had been on Mayo in the build-up to the sensational victory. Advertisement read more on gaa Former free-scoring forward Johnston told SunSport: 'To go to Mayo and win was huge. If that was one of the big guns who went to Castlebar and won, people would be raving about it. 'I think the talk around the country has been more about the demise of Mayo rather than Cavan having a very good win.' Johnston was a selector under boss Mickey Graham when Cavan reached the 2022 Tailteann Cup final. Now, Galligan's men top Group 1 and have a free shot when Donegal come to town tomorrow. Advertisement Most read in GAA Football Fellow group toppers Tyrone beat Jim McGuinness' men last weekend in Ballybofey, blowing open the race for the last eight. And Cavan's destiny is in their own hands. Johnston said: 'Ultimately for us, it was a huge win in terms of maybe progressing to an All-Ireland quarter-final or preliminary quarter-final. Tipperary GAA star 'had to do live apology on RTE' the day after cursing during All-Ireland interview - 'Then you just don't know what's going to happen or what a win like that will give in terms of the boost of confidence to the players. 'We have a big one coming this weekend, but there's very little pressure on Cavan. There's probably huge pressure coming from the Donegal side of things after their result last week. Advertisement 'The first game is ultimately so important because you know generally that one win will get you into that preliminary quarter-final. 'So I think their goal has got to be, if they get through the group, 'Can we make an All-Ireland semi-final?' That means you have to go and win two knockout games but that, to me, would be an incredible season.' Five years have passed since Cavan toppled tomorrow's opponents in an Ulster final that was played behind closed doors due to Covid lockdown restrictions. Advertisement Their journey to the Anglo-Celt Cup lit up a dark summer as Galligan lifted the trophy. Cavan proceeded directly to an All-Ireland semi-final, losing to a Dublin side that became six-in-a-row champions. Five years on, they went to Castlebar quietly confident. And Cormac O'Reilly, Oisín Kiernan, Dara McVeety, Gerard Smith, Cian Reilly, Brian O'Connell and Cian Madden stood up to the mark as star forward Paddy Lynch made a scoring comeback off the bench after the cruciate ligament injury victim spent more than a year on the sidelines. Advertisement Johnston admits the buzz is back in the Breffni County and he believes the return of Crosserlough forward Lynch is a huge boost, though clubmate James Smith has not yet come back from injury. Gearóid McKiernan — who returned to the panel this season — also missed the Mayo game, having lined out in the Ulster quarter-final defeat by Tyrone on April 13. The Cavan Gaels man said: 'One thing I wouldn't like to see is Cavan putting limits on themselves. 'They're after taking out Mayo in Mayo and ultimately, people will criticise where Mayo are at. Advertisement 'Paddy Lynch's return is huge. You know, even for that point he comes on and scored, we have to put it into perspective that this lad hasn't played in nearly 14 months. 'He gets that pop-hand pass and he spins on to his supposedly weaker side, and he pings it over from 35 metres. 'He has that quality in abundance, but you'd be conscious of the fact that we can't be expecting miracles off him too. 'The Cavan forward line now looks a lot better. Oisín Brady, who's probably Cavan's second best forward when Paddy was away, is back too. Advertisement 'Cormac O'Reilly is playing really well and you're hoping to see James and Gearóid McKiernan added into the fold and that makes your forward line look a lot more formidable than it has looked. 'You expect Donegal to come to town and win, but Cavan are going in with a free shot at another big gun who, if they lose, are in serious bother because you just don't know what you're going to get from Mayo in that last game for Donegal.' Johnston will be a keen spectator tomorrow, but has stepped back from football for now. Having made his debut in 2003, Johnston hung up his inter-county boots in 2019, after a long career that included a well-publicised switch to Kildare. Advertisement Coaching led him to join the Cavan backroom team in 2022. He took the reins of his beloved Cavan Gaels last summer, but stood down after the county semi-final loss to Crosserlough. FAMILY FIRST Johnston won ten county titles between 2001 and 2017 but times have been leaner since and for now, family comes first. He said: 'We have four young kids and it was just causing havoc in the house here. Advertisement 'I'm all-consuming. If I'm in, it takes over your whole life and you're away probably five, six nights a week. 'Even when you're here, you're not here, so I just said I was going to take a full break and I'm enjoying it. 'I went back and took our own club last year because the players asked me to do it. 'I didn't want to because it's very hard to do your own club. Advertisement 'They'd been at such a kind of low ebb over the last number of years. We lost the semi-final to Crosserlough by a point and we should have beaten them. "It was probably more annoying that I had to step back from that, because I know they were pretty disappointed that I did. But then, it's just so taxing on time. 'It's also very hard not to be in something that's competitive because you kind of live for that competitive element when you're not playing anymore. 'But it's a lot harder than playing, because you've very little control when that ball is thrown in. You're reliant on all the work that has been done on the training field. Advertisement 'And then sometimes you're tearing your hair out at some of the things players are doing. You're like, 'Have I taught these boys absolutely nothing?' 'It's very enjoyable too but just probably not that conducive to having four young kids.'
The Irish Sun
24-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Eoin McHugh cherishes Donegal return as Ulster glory makes couch comeback all the sweeter
EOIN MCHUGH went from couch to Ulster champion again with Donegal. McHugh, 31, made his SFC debut for 2 Peadar Mogan and Eoin McHugh of Donegal with the Anglo-Celt Cup after the Ulster final win over Armagh 2 McHugh is relishing his return to the fold ahead of clash vs Tyrone He looked on from the sofa when McHugh was vital when they retained their crown against the Orchard a fortnight ago when he replaced Ciarán Moore after 55 minutes. His fresh legs were crucial coming down the stretch as they held on to win 2-23 to 0-28, as Moore returned to score their second goal in extra-time. McHugh is relishing his return to the fold ahead of Tyrone's round 1 group stage visit to Ballybofey tonight. read more on football Speaking after their 'To be honest I can't watch games, I struggle on the bench watching games, I'd rather be on (the pitch) or just not at it. 'Myself and the girlfriend sat last year and watched it, and you know, what the boys did last year was amazing and I'm just delighted that I'm back here and be a part of it. 'I don't know how to put it into words, it's something so special, I think the older you get the more special it gets and the more emotional you feel about things like this. Most read in GAA Football 'I'm walking into the dressing room here with my friends and people who've done so well for the county and I'm just delighted to be here.' McHugh is on the bench for the visit of their neighbours, and McGuinness has kept faith with the same team that began against Armagh. Limerick GAA fans troll RTE pundit Donal Og Cusack after win over Cork But their squad depth is growing all the time, as Eoghan Bán Gallagher (hamstring) returns to the panel for the first time in the championship today. Stopper Shaun Patton has recovered from an ankle injury to start against the Red Hands. And McHugh says days like a fortnight ago are why he came back as they gear up for the All-Ireland series. He said: 'You always dream of winning Ulster and you know I'm lucky enough to have won it before. But there's something special about it and it doesn't lose the buzz or the rush. 'This is why I'm here, this is why I came back and I'm blessed to be allowed to be back and to get the opportunity and I'll not forget that.' DONEGAL (SFC v Tyrone): S Patton; F Roarty, B McCole, P Mogan; R McHugh, C McGonagle, C Moore; H McFadden, M Langan; D Ó Baoill, C Thompson, S O'Donnell; P McBrearty, M Murphy, O Gallen. TYRONE (SFC v Donegal): N Morgan; A Clarke, P Teague, N Devlin; M McKernan, R Brennan, K McGeary; B Kennedy, C Kilpatrick; A Donaghy, M Donnelly, C Daly; D McCurry, P Harte, D Canavan.
The Irish Sun
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘His ability isn't in doubt' – Armagh GAA great hails Rian O'Neill return as ‘unbelievable boost' to All-Ireland defence
AARON KERNAN believes Rian O'Neill can give Armagh an 'unbelievable boost' as they prepare to put their All-Ireland SFC title on the line. Orchard boss Kieran McGeeney said in March that 2 Rian O'Neill has returned to the Armagh panel Credit: Ray McManus/Sportsfile 2 Aaron Kernan backed him to be the difference in their All-Ireland defence Credit: Seb Daly/Sportsfile But now a first appearance since last July's Sam Maguire showpiece looks to be imminent for the All-Star forward, who rejoined the Armagh panel ahead of the The availability of such a key player should aid the Orchard's All-Ireland defence, which begins at home to Derry this weekend. Crossmaglen Rangers club-mate Kernan said: 'The best place for him is being involved in the playing group and with his friends. 'His brother is involved as well and he seems like he's in a good place himself. Read More on GAA 'I think it's just allowing him to find his feet, have a bit of patience and give it a bit of time. I don't see there being any issues for the remainder of the season with him. 'Once he's happy and in a good place, Kieran and the boys will be delighted to have him around.' O'Neill is tailor-made to avail of some of the game's new rules. His long-range kicking ability could be a potent weapon in helping Armagh to collect the bonus points on offer beyond the 40-metre arc. Most read in GAA Football Speaking in his role as a BoyleSports ambassador, former Armagh ace Kernan said: 'His potential and his ability aren't in doubt. 'The fact he's back in that squad and if he's showing a semblance of what we all know he's capable of, it's an unbelievable boost. Limerick GAA fans troll RTE pundit Donal Og Cusack after win over Cork 'But I don't think management, Rian or anyone would be putting any pressure on what's going to happen in the weeks to come. 'I think he'll find his feet, form and build up his game-time organically. 'And with the new rules, it'll help him to settle in to whatever game-time he does start to get. 'With the two-point arc, there is more space for his foot-passing ability where he likes to get his head up. 'Or if he ends up playing in that front three, he has that ball-winning ability where he wouldn't have the same workload he would have playing off No 11 or eight.' HANGOVER CURE Having rebounded from a penalty-shootout defeat in last year's provincial decider to be crowned All-Ireland champions, Kernan is confident that Armagh will not be afflicted by any hangover from their latest dose of Anglo-Celt Cup agony. But he admits He said: 'You're sitting watching the game, and as exciting as it was, I was starting to wonder if this is actually a good thing from an Armagh point of view. 'To be fair, Armagh have shown in the past few years that they can park the provincial final disappointment. 'Granted, it's a different draw this time around. 'They've had Westmeath at home in the first game in the two years previous to this All-Ireland series. 'Obviously they have Derry but it's about what Derry is going to turn up. 'Rumour has it that they've been going quite well in recent weeks since the Donegal game in terms of what's happening in challenge games and in terms of personnel getting back fully fit. 'That will certainly make it more difficult for Armagh.' l AARON KERNAN is an ambassador for BoyleSports, who are paying out early if your team goes seven points ahead – even if they draw or lose.
Irish Post
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Post
Round-up of the weekend's GAA championship matches
Late Moore goal and O'Donnell point seal Anglo-Celt Cup as Orchard men fall agonisingly short once again Ulster Senior Football Championship Final Donegal 2-23 Armagh 0-28 (AET) St Tiernach's Park, Clones, witnessed an epic Ulster final as Donegal edged Armagh after extra time in one of the most dramatic provincial deciders in recent memory. Donegal appeared to have the game under control on two occasions, surging into seven-point leads in both halves of normal time. Their attack, led by the peerless Niall O'Donnell, seemed to disrupt Armagh and break their resolve. But Armagh's renowned fighting spirit was never quenched. The Orchard County clawed back magnificently, with Rian O'Neill and Rory Grugan orchestrating a comeback that forced extra time. The sides were level at 1-20 to 0-23 at the end of normal time. The match ebbed and flowed until Donegal substitutes Hugh McFadden and Ciarán Moore both struck crucial goals in the additional period. Moore's goal proved the turning point as Donegal wrestled back momentum and composure. Armagh threw everything forward in a desperate final push but were denied by Donegal's disciplined defending. O'Donnell popped up once more with a late point to seal a famous win and back-to-back Ulster titles for Jim McGuinness's side. A post-match brawl involving players and officials led to Gardaí intervention. For Armagh, it was a heartbreaking loss for the second successive year. They must now regroup quickly for the All-Ireland series. Louth stun Meath to end 68-year Leinster wait Captain Sam Mulroy stars as Wee County claim emotional Delaney Cup triumph at Croke Park Leinster Senior Football Championship Final Louth 3-14 Meath 1-18 History was made at Croke Park as Louth claimed their first Leinster title since 1957 with a pulsating victory over old rivals Meath to lift the Delaney Cup. The game had everything—goals, drama and a late flurry that kept over 65,000 spectators on edge. Louth captain Sam Mulroy was superb, leading the line and contributing an outstanding 1-7. Two first-half goals gave Louth an early cushion as their pace and directness continually troubled Meath's defence. Meath refused to fold, and Matthew Costello's late goal brought them within touching distance. The Royals launched wave after wave of late attacks, but Louth, under the calm guidance of Ger Brennan, held firm with heroic defending. The final whistle sparked unforgettable celebrations as Louth were crowned Leinster champions for the first time in 68 years. Limerick power past London in Tailteann opener Donovan and Nash lead the scoring as hosts dominate at Newcastle West Tailteann Cup Limerick 0-25 London 1-15 Limerick's Tailteann Cup campaign got off to a perfect start as they comfortably dispatched London at Newcastle West. Brian Donovan and Peter Nash kept the scoreboard ticking over for Limerick, who led from start to finish. London battled valiantly and netted a goal to stay in contention, but Limerick's superior point-scoring and strong defending ensured the Exiles could not close the gap. The hosts move on to the next stage of the competition with confidence and ambitions of a strong run in this year's Tailteann Cup. HURLING Jason Forde of Tipperary in action against Conor Lean of Clare (picture by Ray McManus/Sportsfile via Getty Images) Tipp end winless run with thriller against Clare McGrath and Ormond strike twice each as Liam Cahill's side revive Munster hopes Munster Senior Hurling Championship Tipperary 4-18 Clare 2-21 Tipperary ended a 10-match winless run in the Munster Championship with a thrilling win over Clare at Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, Ennis. John McGrath and Andrew Ormond both found the net twice during a devastating first half that left Clare stunned and Tipp supporters in full voice. Tipperary's early intensity and sharpness around the breaking ball set the tone, with their forward line operating with clinical precision. Clare, however, showed tremendous character. Led by the inspirational Tony Kelly, whose goal ignited the home crowd, and Shane O'Donnell, who followed with another fine finish, the Banner men clawed back the deficit. Points from Peter Duggan and David Fitzgerald kept the pressure on Tipperary, and by the final quarter, the sides were level in a white-knuckle finish. Crucially, Tipperary's defence, marshalled by Ronan Maher and Craig Morgan, stood tall under immense pressure. Points from Jason Forde and Jake Morris, combined with tireless work around the middle by Noel McGrath, nudged Tipp ahead again. The result lifts Tipperary back into contention and provides a huge boost for under-pressure manager Liam Cahill. Clare must regroup quickly but still remain firmly in the hunt for Munster silverware. See More: GAA, Gaelic Football, Hurling
Extra.ie
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Pat Spillane rethinks predictions and names FOUR All-Ireland favourites
Pat Spillane called Donegal the team to beat in this year's All-Ireland football championship just a month ago, but he is now including others on a par with the Ulster champions. Donegal saw off Armagh in the Anglo-Celt Cup decider for a second consecutive year under Jim McGuinness. It marks a third trophy overall under the Glenties man since his 2024 return – with a Division 2 league crown delivered last year. Pat Spillane. Pic: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile Kerry icon Spillane praised their fitness levels as 'off the charts' based on league and provincial displays and they crowned that progress with their Ulster final success. The county have been boosted by the return of talismanic forward Michael Murphy, who has been restored to a potent forward line also including Paddy McBrearty, who now captains the side. Michael Murphy has returned to the Donegal panel. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile Murphy's return after more than two years away from the game is sure to serve as a season-long ace up the sleeve for Donegal, as showcased when he rolled back the years with his display in the Clones decider. But Spillane now believes others in the chasing pack are in with a fighting chance too, with his native Kerry getting a nod as well as reigning champions Armagh and last year's beaten finalists Galway. Pat Spillane believes last year's All-Ireland finalists Armagh and Galway are strong contenders once again in 2025. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile 'I now see four counties leading the race for Sam,' he wrote in the Sunday World. 'In no particular order, they are: Kerry, Galway, Armagh and Donegal. 'Dublin and Tyrone are behind them in a chasing pack of two.' Spillane's prediction of the top four teams in the country mirrors last year's last four, when Armagh overcame Kerry and Galway dumped Donegal out in their respective semi-finals.
