February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Pierce O’Reilly
Cavan 4-9, Kerry 1-6
Cavan footballers really opened up the senior "A" division on Sunday when they downed Kerry in scintillating style at Gaelic Park.
The Breffini boys played a lovely open brand of football, and with several new recruits on board, they totally outclassed the Kingdom. Imports and students of the caliber of John Paul Smith, Graig Kilmurray and Paddy Mathews have given Cavan a new dimension. The Breffini boys were simply a transformed side in the final game of the day, and with their season’s hopes on the line, they responded.
Kerry were pedestrian from the off and with no imports, they failed to ignite.
Goals win games, and with Cavan hitting four over the hour, they were always in the driver’s seat. At the interval they led 2-4 to 1-3 with Eddie Reilly and Liam Maguire hitting the all-important onion bag. Reilly was alert at full forward, while Down natives John Paul Smith and Paddy Mathews were outstanding at the other end. Smith hit four exquisite points from free in the opening half, and with Gary McDermott and Graig Kilmurray also bagging two, they took an early lead.
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Kerry opened in lighting pace, and with Jamie Driscoll hitting the net after two minutes, they looked like real championship contenders. It never materialized, however, and it was the Ulster men who went in at the interval in front.
The rain and goals continued to come for the entire second half. Cavan manager Sean Price could afford to keep Aidan Traynor and Dessie O’Reilly in reserve. When they were sprung, they bolted the door for the Breffini lads. Two great second-half goals from the boot of Gary McDermott put the Kingdom out of sight. Bingo Driscoll tried his best to bring his side back into contention, but he lacked help from most other sectors. Cavan, with Enda O’Hare, Eddie Reilly and John Paul Smith hitting points, never relinquished their lead.
The Breffini boys are back in business. If the imports stay around after September, they if may yet be needed. Paddy Kearney will have harsh words at training on Tuesday night for the Kerry lads.
Cavan: Brian McGonagle, Barry Annette, Eugene O’Hagen, Barney Brady, Paddy Mathews, Joe Cassidy, Francie Sheridan, Enda O’Hare 0-1, Graig Kilmurray 0-2, Fergal Fennell, Liam Maguire 1-0, John Paul Smith 0-4, Noel McPartland 0-1, Gary McDermott 2-0, Eddie Reilly 1-1. Subs: Aidan Traynor, Dessie O’Reilly.
Kerry: Finbar Flood, Sam Finn, Aidan Riney, Paul Dillon, Derrick Riney, Johnny Driscoll, Peter Riney, Dave McSweeney, Bingo Driscoll 0-3, Paddy O’Connor, Willie O’Donnell, T.J. Brennan 0-1, Jamie Driscoll 1-1, Alan McNamara. Subs: Louis Holland, James McKenna 0-1.