Cavan players will commit to Tailteann Cup insists Breffni boss Mickey Graham

They came to Clones determined to upset the odds and claim a place in the Ulster Final at Donegal’s expense. Instead, Cavan now await a summer of uncertainty after being condemned to the Tailteann Cup following a 2-16 to 0-16 defeat.

The Breffnimen played their part in what was the most entertaining game of the Ulster Championship thus far.

With 57 minutes played, they were neck-and-neck with Declan Bonner’s side at 0-14 each.

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Two lapses in defence proved fatal to Cavan’s cause with goals from Conor O’Donnell and Paddy McBrearty providing the knock-out blows.

Crestfallen, Mickey Graham admitted the defeat would be tough to take, but vowed that Cavan will give their all in the Tailteann Cup, despite some concerns regarding its promotion.

“The boys we have in there are committed to the Cavan jersey. They aren’t in this for the Championship and for the big days,” stated Graham.

“They’ve had a lot of dark days and still keep coming back. No doubt the players will fully buy into it.

“The message will be. . . we’ll dust ourselves down. The more games we get, the more we’ll develop and that’s the way I’d like to think the players will look upon it.

“We’ve a lot of young lads within the squad and we might give them more game time during this competition as well.

“This is fresh in our minds now and we’ll take a few days to let the dust settle and we’ll see what the mindset is towards it.”

Graham felt Cavan were left to rue their missed chances at goal early on while Donegal were ruthless with their opportunities late in the second half.

Gearóid McKiernan had claims for a penalty turned down in the opening minutes while James Smith had his shot tipped on