Raymond Galligan not expecting a Tailteann Cup 'sophomore slump' as Breffni aim to to go one step further

Cavan All-Star Raymond Galligan has no fear of the Tailteann Cup suffering a 'sophomore slump' as the Breffni County attempt to go one step better than last year.

In the inaugural running of the competition, Mickey Graham’s side were favourites to be the first ever side to lift the trophy and secure Sam Maguire football for 2023 in the process.

They were caught by Westmeath in the final though, the Leinster side hitting 1-04 without reply late on to come out on top.

That meant a return to this season's launch for Cavan, and at the Croke Park event GAA President Larry McCarthy said it was vital for the competition’s future that it didn’t suffer what he labelled a ‘sophomore slump’ - tailing off after a promising first season.

Galligan though is confident that it’s a tournament that is set to stay the course as they prepare for Saturday’s opening group game against Laois at Kingspan Breffni.

"I remember the Tommy Murphy many years ago and it [the Tailteann Cup] was kind of compared with potentially being another Tommy Murphy. The way that fizzled out, I could understand the views this time last year.

"I think the way the competition was run, the way it was promoted, the way Croke Park invested in it, the opportunity of getting games in Croke Park - the addition of silverware but also that pathway to the All-Ireland series, it brings so much value.

"It gives teams the opportunity to play outside of their province. For us to be playing Laois, London and Offaly, teams you wouldn’t primarily play too often, it’s great to be able to test yourself against other teams from outside of Ulster.

"I definitely think it’s here for the future."

That Westmeath defeat stung Galligan. It’s not the lowest point of his career in blue and white, but