Armagh secure promotion to top flight in Cavan cakewalk

Armagh join Donegal in an instant return to Division 1 next season after a convincing 15-point win over Ulster rivals Cavan on Saturday evening.

It was an impressive display from Kieran McGeeney's men, while Cavan were without the injured Padraig Faulkner were disappointing.

Kieran McGeeney’s men will play Donegal in the Division 2 National League Final on Easter Sunday in Croke Park and they had more than one foot in it by half-time.

Goals from corner-back Peter McGrane on 28 minutes and a converted penalty from Conor Turbitt only seconds before the break put the game beyond doubt, bar a complete collapse.

Armagh led 2-12 to 0-04 at the break, Andrew Murnin, Greg McCabe, Rory Grugan, Conor Turbit and Stefan Campbell were all on target early on.

The Orchard were winning their own kick-outs, with Blaine Hughes picking out his men despite the high Cavan press and importantly they overturned the Blues coming out of defence, with Turbitt chief pick-pocket and Ben Crealy impressed around the middle.

The second half was game management from McGeeney’s men. Cavan’s Paddy Lynch and the returning Dara McVeety posted some nice points but they had two players black carded, Cillian Brady who conceded the penalty, out-side the square and then has he returned Cian Reilly was sin-binned.

Armagh finished strongly with Oisin Conaty rattling over four points from play and there was the introduction of Crossmaglen brothers Oisin and Rian O’Neill, Cullyhanna duo Ross McQuillan and Aidan Nugent and Tiernan Kelly from the bench, which had the Orchard supporters excited.

It was impressive from Armagh and they’ll go to Cork next weekend with the pressure off, although still competition for places ahead of the Allianz League Final and Ulster