Cavan Defies Expectations as Champion Sees Record-Breaking Success!

Cavan boosted their hopes of survival with a hard-fought 2-20 to 3-15 win over Offaly in Tullamore. Midfielder Ryan Donohoe top-scored for the Breffnimen as he tallied 1-5 and fired over a couple of rousing two-pointers late in the game. The game started brightly as Oisin Brady pinched an early goal for Cavan.

It was quickly cancelled out at the other end though by Aaron Leavy and a second Dylan Hyland two-pointer meant Offaly led 1-4 to 1-2. Darragh Flynn hit a couple of scores for three points, either side of a Hyland 45-metre kick and Ciaran Murphy added another to open up a six-point lead for the Faithful County by the 21st minute, but they wouldn't score for the remainder of the half. Gearoid McKiernan, Tiarnan Madden, Brady and Peter Corrigan replied for the visitors and they trailed by just 1-9 to 1-7 at the break.

A Dara McVeety two-pointer straight from the restart had the sides level, but Offaly, in need of the victory themselves, again surged clear. Jordan Hayes, Hyland and a goal from Diarmuid Egan moved Mickey Harte and Declan Kelly's side into a five-point lead. Cavan did stay in touch and were level again by the 54th minute.

Donohoe got his goal before Madden launched over from beyond the arc. Ciaran Brady (Arva) and Paddy Lynch exchanged scores with Keith O'Neill, and a two-pointer from Donohoe then nudged Cavan in front. Offaly threatened to nick the win in the closing stages when Jack McEvoy finished to the net on 66 minutes.