Donegal minor boss Declan McDermott fires Cavan warning

Donegal, opening round winners over Monaghan, will bid to build on that victory when they go toe-to-toe with Cavan in Knockbride on Saturday (Throw-in 2 pm).

The Declan McDermott-managed side marked their return to the top tier of Ulster LGFA Minor Championship with a superb 15-point win over last year’s winners from the Farney County in MacCumhaill Park.

Eva Gallagher, Mia Bennett, Katie Dowds and Ava Walsh scored the goals in the 4-10 to 0-7 blitz.

Gallagher, who topped the scoring, also kicked four points while Bennett, Walsh, Aishling O’Neill and Ulitah Boyle were also among the point scorers as Donegal overwhelmed Monaghan with fast-flowing and incisive football.

“It was great to get the win against Monaghan and the girls played very well and we were happy with their performance,” said the Donegal boss.

But he also warned that Cavan are going to provide much stiffer opposition on their home sod.

“Cavan have been the top county at underage in Ulster for the last few years.

“And it is generally agreed they are the favourites to win the championship. They have won both the U-14 and U-16 championships in recent years.

“All those girls are coming through now to minor grade so a big challenge faces us on Saturday”.

But the Moville clubman, who is into his second year in the manager’s role, feels his team is up for the challenge.

“They have prepared well and the mood has been good since the Monaghan win. But we are not getting carried away with the victory or the margin of it.

“We all know the challenge that is ahead but we are looking forward to it.”

Cavan opened their campaign with a one-point, 3-10 to 3-9, win over Armagh in Crossmaglen.

McDermott, who has had his squad together since last November, has no injury concerns and has reported a fully fit squad.

He also confirmed that other than maybe one or two positional switches, the team will be the exact same that started last time out against Monaghan.

The Donegal lineout and subs used that day were: Kerry McCready (St Mary’s, Convoy); Ellie Ward (Dungloe), Siobhan Cameron (Termon), Tara Rose Mahon (Buncrana); Niamh Bonner (Termon), Sarah McGinley (Glenswilly), Ava Caulfield (Dungloe); Ulitah Boyle (Dungloe), Rhianna McColgan (Naomh Padraig, Uisce Chaoin); Katie Dowds (Sean MacCumhaills), Aishling O’Neill (Malin), Cora Doherty(Naomh Conaill); Eva Gallagher (Kilcar), Ava Walsh (Naomh Padraig), Mia Bennett (Ardara).

Subs: Sara Thomas (Four Masters), Maeve Brady (Termon) Lucy Ward (St Naul’s), Caithlin Fletcher (St Eunans).