Dominant second half see’s Minors into league semi-final

Cavan 3-15; Fermanagh 1-7: 2024 Ulster Minor League section A Round 2

Damien Donohoe in Derrygonnelly, Fermanagh

Seanie Smith’s minor side showed great resilience three days after losing to Donegal on Wednesday night by beating Fermanagh by 14 points in terrible conditions. The Breffni side knew entering the game that they needed to win by ten points or more to secure the best runners up spot.

At the break Cavan held a four-point lead with the board reading 1-4 to 1-8. After working their way into a three points lead against a packed Fermanagh defence Cavan conceded 1-2 in a three minute flurry with Dan O’Connor getting the home sides goal on the 26th minute. The boys in blue reacted well and finished the half with a goal and three points as the excellent Jamie Clarke controlled the middle of the field winning an abundance of primary possession.

The Castlerahan man plucked a kick-out from the sky a minute after the Fermanagh goal before sending it forward to Joshua Shehu who beat one man and passed to Nathan Quigley who slotted the ball to the back of the net. The game was over as a contest seven minutes into the second half when Cavan hit 2-4 to lead by 14 points.

Finn Crowe palmed the ball to the back of the net after an Odhran Madden shot dropped short a minute into the second half. Cavan added five further points in as many minutes with Fiachra Brady and Joshua Shehu instrumental at centre back and forward. Cavan’s third goal was again the forwards chasing lost causes as Charlie Fallon followed in on a Shehu shot dropping short to gather at the back post and work his way to a goal scoring position to role the back to the net.

From that to the end Cavan done enough to keep Fermanagh at arm’s length despite the efforts of the talented Daire Champman who caught the eye. A confidence building performance keeps competitive football going for another week and keeps the hopes of a seed one position for the upcoming Ulster championship draw.