Good afternoon and welcome along to our live coverage of the 2019 Ulster senior football championship final, as Cavan — bidding to win their first provincial crown since 1997 — face defending champions Donegal in Clones.
We’ll be following all the action on what promises to be a thrilling afternoon at St Tiernach’s Park. Stick with us, with throw-in fast approaching at 2pm.
It’s Ulster football final day in Clones and the place is buzzing!
Tommy Dickson / INPHO
Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO
23 Jun 2019
1:12PM
After Roscommon took the honours in Connacht last weekend, and Kerry reigned supreme in Munster yesterday evening, it’s all eyes on Ulster this afternoon in Cavan’s first appearance in the provincial showpiece since 2001.
After victories over Monaghan and Armagh in this year’s championship, Mickey Graham’s side dare to dream of lifting the Anglo-Celt Cup for a record 40th time, but first in 22 years.
Standing in Cavan’s way are defending champions Donegal, who themselves are bidding to win back-to-back titles for the first time after overcoming Fermanagh in last year’s decider. The stakes couldn’t be any higher in Clones.
TEAM NEWS: Let’s take a check on this afternoon’s teams, starting with Donegal. They’ve made two late changes to their starting XV, with Odhrán McFadden Ferry coming in for Daire O’Baoill and Niall O’Donnell replacing Leo McLoone.
Donegal:
1. Shaun Patton
2. Paddy McGrath
3. Neil McGee
4. Stephen McMenamin
5. Ryan McHugh
6. Odhran McFadden Ferry
7. Eoghan Ban Gallagher
Tommy Dickson / INPHO
Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO
23 Jun 2019
1:54PM
TEAM NEWS: As for Cavan, this is how Mickey Graham’s men will line up. Their starting XV shows three changes from the match programme with Gerard Smith, Oisin Pierson and Ciaran Brady coming into the forward line.
Cavan:
1. Raymond Galligan
2. Jason McLoughlin
3. Padraig Faulkner
4. Conor Moynagh
5. Martin Reilly
6. Killian Clarke
7. Conor Rehill
8. Conor Brady
9. Gearoid McKiernan
10. Oisin Kiernan
11. Dara McVeety
12. Niall Murray
13. Gerard Smith
14. Oisin Pierson
15. Ciaran Brady.
23 Jun 2019
1:57PM
The parade is underway in Clones, where a capacity crowd of 29,000 have packed into St Tiernach’s Park for this Ulster decider. We’re moments away from throw-in!
We’re underway! The 2019 Ulster SFC final is up and running.
23 Jun 2019
2:04PM
2 mins — Cavan 0-0 Donegal 0-1
Fast start from Donegal and Michael Murphy is fouled by Killian Clarke, allowing Paddy McBrearty to open the scoring. That all came from a poor Raymond Gilligan kick out.
23 Jun 2019
2:08PM
5 mins — Cavan 0-0 Donegal 0-2
The reigning champions are dominating the early exchanges, and after a long period of possession, Eoghan Ban Gallagher splits the posts for Donegal’s second score of the day.
23 Jun 2019
2:10PM
7 mins — Cavan 0-1 Donegal 0-2
But Cavan respond strongly and they’re on the board through Killian Clarke, who burst through midfield to fist over. Neil McGee, meanwhile, has been shown an early yellow by referee Conor Lane.
23 Jun 2019
2:12PM
10 mins — Cavan 0-1 Donegal 0-5
After Niall O’Donnell is off target for the second time today, Ryan McHugh, Hugh McFadden and Michael Murphy show him the way with three successive Donegal scores.
Killian Clarke and Neil McGee battle for possession.
James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
23 Jun 2019
2:15PM
13 mins — Cavan 0-2 Donegal 0-5
That’s much better from Cavan, who have started nervously. Gearoid McKiernan surges forward and knocks it over off his left side to bring his side back to within three. Martin Reilly then has the chance to get his name on the scoreboard, but he’ll be disappointed with that effort as it sails wide.
Michael Murphy has scored one of Donegal’s five points in this first half.
Tommy Dickson / INPHO
Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO
23 Jun 2019
2:18PM
16 mins — Cavan 0-2 Donegal 0-6
McBrearty shows his strength to get the ball away despite the attention of three Cavan defenders, which in turn opens up the space for Ciaran Thompson. He can take his time before adding a sixth point to the Donegal tally.
23 Jun 2019
2:21PM
17 mins — Cavan 0-3 Donegal 0-6
Conor Brady goes into Lane’s book before Conor Moynagh conjures a magnificent score off his wrong foot to keep the scoreboard ticking over for Cavan. They’re having to work hard, but have done well to remain in touch.
23 Jun 2019
2:23PM
20 mins — Cavan 0-3 Donegal 0-7
At the other end, Donegal respond immediately and show their clinical edge through Jamie Brennan to restore their four-point advantage. It could have been more but McBrearty is unable to point after getting in behind the Cavan defence. He felt he was fouled as he bore down on goal but, from a tight angle, he put it wide.
23 Jun 2019
2:25PM
22 mins — Cavan 0-3 Donegal 0-7
Cavan goalkeeper Raymond Galligan requires treatment after that McBrearty miss but he’s okay to continue and we’re back underway.
23 Jun 2019
2:27PM
24 mins — Cavan 0-3 Donegal 0-8
Close! That’s the closest we’ve come to a goal so far as Paddy McGrath joins the attack and finds himself in acres of space and only the goalkeeper to beat, but his shot dribbles inches wide of the post. We’re going back for a Donegal free and Murphy knocks it over.
Tommy Dickson / INPHO
Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO
23 Jun 2019
2:29PM
27 mins — Cavan 0-3 Donegal 0-9
Oh so close for Cavan this time! Gerard Smith’s shot drops short but Conor Rehill latches onto the dropping ball, but, with the goal at his mercy, his unable to keep it on target from close range. What a chance that was.
23 Jun 2019
2:30PM
28 mins — Cavan 0-3 Donegal 0-11
And Donegal have extended their lead at the other end with back-to-back scores. Firstly, Ciaran Thompson is on the mark and then, after another poor Cavan kick-out, Jamie Brennan stretches his side’s advantage.
23 Jun 2019
2:31PM
30 mins — Cavan 0-4 Donegal 0-11
Oisin Pierson scores a much-needed point for Cavan as Mickey Graham makes a change, with Stephen Murray on for Niall Murray.
Michael Murphy and Killian Clarke get up close and personal.
Tommy Dickson / INPHO
Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO
23 Jun 2019
2:37PM
33 mins — Cavan 0-4 Donegal 0-12
Michael Murphy battles under the high ball with Raymond Galligan but the Donegal captain concedes the foul and he picks up a yellow card for his troubles.
23 Jun 2019
2:39PM
35 mins — Cavan 0-5 Donegal 0-12
We’ll have four minutes of injury time at the end of this half, and as we enter added time, Gearoid McKiernan makes no mistake from a free for Cavan.
23 Jun 2019
2:40PM
35 + 3 mins — Cavan 0-5 Donegal 0-13
But Donegal strike on the counter-attack to go into the break with an eight-point lead. Jamie Brennan with his third point of the afternoon.
Donegal were mightily impressive in that opening period, with the reigning Ulster champions having nine different scorers in Clones so far. Cavan have struggled and haven’t really settled into the occasion, with Mickey Graham’s side up against it.
We’re back underway! Cavan have it all to do in this second half in Clones. Can they stage an unlikely comeback?
23 Jun 2019
3:00PM
36 mins — Cavan 0-5 Donegal 0-13
Cavan have made two changes at the break: Conor Madden and Cian Mackey are on for Gerard Smith and Oisin Kiernan.
23 Jun 2019
3:02PM
37 mins — Cavan 0-5 Donegal 0-14
Mickey Graham’s side needed a fast start but it’s Donegal who are doing all the early pressing on the restart, and Murphy extends their lead out to nine.
23 Jun 2019
3:04PM
38 mins — Cavan 0-6 Donegal 0-14
Gearoid McKiernan responds with a point for Cavan.
23 Jun 2019
3:05PM
40 mins — Cavan 0-6 Donegal 0-15
That’s glorious from Donegal, who show pace, precision and patience to eventually manufacture the space for Paddy McBrearty to finish off a fine move.
23 Jun 2019
3:06PM
41 mins — Cavan 0-7 Donegal 0-15
Another good response from Cavan through Dara McVeety but they’ll need to conjure something special to overhaul this deficit. Donegal are beginning to move through the gears.
23 Jun 2019
3:08PM
43 mins — Cavan 0-7 Donegal 0-16
Donegal are playing with so much confidence and with Michael Langan pointing, all of their forward line has now registered a score this afternoon. Niall O’Donnell, meanwhile, has made way for Daire Ó Baoill.
James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
23 Jun 2019
3:12PM
47 mins — Cavan 0-9 Donegal 0-17
Having scored just one goal in this year’s championship, you feel Cavan are going to need to take every opportunity from here on in, but after coming up to take a free, Raymond Galligan is unable to convert from long-range. Gearoid McKiernan and Paddy McBrearty then exchange scores.
23 Jun 2019
3:15PM
50 mins — Cavan 0-9 Donegal 0-18
Another poor kick-out from Galligan and McBrearty doesn’t need a second invitation to punish the Cavan goalkeeper with another fine score. Donegal lead by nine.
23 Jun 2019
3:18PM
53 mins — Cavan 0-9 Donegal 0-18
Conor Moynagh ventures forward and really should have pointed there but Cavan’s frustration is increased as he misses, before Stephen McMenamin gets involved in some needless afters and is booked.
23 Jun 2019
3:19PM
54 mins — Cavan 0-11 Donegal 0-18
The rain has just started to fall in Clones and suddenly Cavan have back-to-back scores, which moves them back to within seven.
Cavan’s comeback is stopped in its tracks. After four points in a row at one end, Jamie Brennan strikes at the other to give Donegal some breathing space again.
23 Jun 2019
3:25PM
60 mins — Cavan 0-12 Donegal 1-18
Donegal’s lead is back out to nine points and the atmosphere has been drained out of St Tiernach’s Park again. Ódhrán McFadden has been replaced by Paul Brennan for the final 10 minutes.
23 Jun 2019
3:26PM
61 mins — Cavan 0-12 Donegal 1-18
Declan Bonner’s side now very much in control of this Ulster final as we head towards the 70-minute mark.
Cavan are not giving up just yet! Brilliant from Cian Mackey as he uses all his experience and skill to set up Conor Madden for a simple finish at the back post. We’ve got a seven-point game.
23 Jun 2019
3:31PM
And here’s the Cavan goal. Can they stage a late, late comeback?
Fine piece of play from Dara McVeety leads to his third score of the day but Cavan are running out of time. They trail by seven.
23 Jun 2019
3:33PM
68 mins — Cavan 1-14 Donegal 1-21
After Cavan threatened to rally, Donegal — through that Brennan goal — have shut the door emphatically and are now on the verge of another Ulster title. Two minutes left.
23 Jun 2019
3:34PM
69 mins — Cavan 1-14 Donegal 1-22
Donegal are finishing strongly and it’s that man Brennan again. He has 1-4 this afternoon.
Donegal have emphatically retained their Ulster senior football championship crown with an impressive victory over Cavan, whose first appearance in the provincial showpiece since 2001 ends in disappointment.
James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
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As it happened: Cavan v Donegal, Ulster SFC final
Good afternoon and welcome along to our live coverage of the 2019 Ulster senior football championship final, as Cavan — bidding to win their first provincial crown since 1997 — face defending champions Donegal in Clones.
We’ll be following all the action on what promises to be a thrilling afternoon at St Tiernach’s Park. Stick with us, with throw-in fast approaching at 2pm.
It’s Ulster football final day in Clones and the place is buzzing!
After Roscommon took the honours in Connacht last weekend, and Kerry reigned supreme in Munster yesterday evening, it’s all eyes on Ulster this afternoon in Cavan’s first appearance in the provincial showpiece since 2001.
After victories over Monaghan and Armagh in this year’s championship, Mickey Graham’s side dare to dream of lifting the Anglo-Celt Cup for a record 40th time, but first in 22 years.
Standing in Cavan’s way are defending champions Donegal, who themselves are bidding to win back-to-back titles for the first time after overcoming Fermanagh in last year’s decider. The stakes couldn’t be any higher in Clones.
Which way do you see this afternoon going?
Poll Results:
Ahead of today’s final, The42‘s Sinead Farrell took a trip down memory lane and looked back on Cavan’s last Ulster SFC triumph in 1997.
TEAM NEWS: Let’s take a check on this afternoon’s teams, starting with Donegal. They’ve made two late changes to their starting XV, with Odhrán McFadden Ferry coming in for Daire O’Baoill and Niall O’Donnell replacing Leo McLoone.
Donegal:
1. Shaun Patton
2. Paddy McGrath
3. Neil McGee
4. Stephen McMenamin
5. Ryan McHugh
6. Odhran McFadden Ferry
7. Eoghan Ban Gallagher
8. Hugh McFadden
9. Jason McGee
10. Ciaran Thompson
11. Niall O’Donnell
12. Jamie Brennan
13. Paddy McBrearty
14. Michael Murphy (captain)
15. Michael Langan.
TEAM NEWS: As for Cavan, this is how Mickey Graham’s men will line up. Their starting XV shows three changes from the match programme with Gerard Smith, Oisin Pierson and Ciaran Brady coming into the forward line.
Cavan:
1. Raymond Galligan
2. Jason McLoughlin
3. Padraig Faulkner
4. Conor Moynagh
5. Martin Reilly
6. Killian Clarke
7. Conor Rehill
8. Conor Brady
9. Gearoid McKiernan
10. Oisin Kiernan
11. Dara McVeety
12. Niall Murray
13. Gerard Smith
14. Oisin Pierson
15. Ciaran Brady.
The parade is underway in Clones, where a capacity crowd of 29,000 have packed into St Tiernach’s Park for this Ulster decider. We’re moments away from throw-in!
We’re underway! The 2019 Ulster SFC final is up and running.
2 mins — Cavan 0-0 Donegal 0-1
Fast start from Donegal and Michael Murphy is fouled by Killian Clarke, allowing Paddy McBrearty to open the scoring. That all came from a poor Raymond Gilligan kick out.
5 mins — Cavan 0-0 Donegal 0-2
The reigning champions are dominating the early exchanges, and after a long period of possession, Eoghan Ban Gallagher splits the posts for Donegal’s second score of the day.
7 mins — Cavan 0-1 Donegal 0-2
But Cavan respond strongly and they’re on the board through Killian Clarke, who burst through midfield to fist over. Neil McGee, meanwhile, has been shown an early yellow by referee Conor Lane.
10 mins — Cavan 0-1 Donegal 0-5
After Niall O’Donnell is off target for the second time today, Ryan McHugh, Hugh McFadden and Michael Murphy show him the way with three successive Donegal scores.
Killian Clarke and Neil McGee battle for possession.
13 mins — Cavan 0-2 Donegal 0-5
That’s much better from Cavan, who have started nervously. Gearoid McKiernan surges forward and knocks it over off his left side to bring his side back to within three. Martin Reilly then has the chance to get his name on the scoreboard, but he’ll be disappointed with that effort as it sails wide.
Michael Murphy has scored one of Donegal’s five points in this first half.
16 mins — Cavan 0-2 Donegal 0-6
McBrearty shows his strength to get the ball away despite the attention of three Cavan defenders, which in turn opens up the space for Ciaran Thompson. He can take his time before adding a sixth point to the Donegal tally.
17 mins — Cavan 0-3 Donegal 0-6
Conor Brady goes into Lane’s book before Conor Moynagh conjures a magnificent score off his wrong foot to keep the scoreboard ticking over for Cavan. They’re having to work hard, but have done well to remain in touch.
20 mins — Cavan 0-3 Donegal 0-7
At the other end, Donegal respond immediately and show their clinical edge through Jamie Brennan to restore their four-point advantage. It could have been more but McBrearty is unable to point after getting in behind the Cavan defence. He felt he was fouled as he bore down on goal but, from a tight angle, he put it wide.
22 mins — Cavan 0-3 Donegal 0-7
Cavan goalkeeper Raymond Galligan requires treatment after that McBrearty miss but he’s okay to continue and we’re back underway.
24 mins — Cavan 0-3 Donegal 0-8
Close! That’s the closest we’ve come to a goal so far as Paddy McGrath joins the attack and finds himself in acres of space and only the goalkeeper to beat, but his shot dribbles inches wide of the post. We’re going back for a Donegal free and Murphy knocks it over.
Gearoid McKiernan and Hugh McFadden in action.
27 mins — Cavan 0-3 Donegal 0-9
Oh so close for Cavan this time! Gerard Smith’s shot drops short but Conor Rehill latches onto the dropping ball, but, with the goal at his mercy, his unable to keep it on target from close range. What a chance that was.
28 mins — Cavan 0-3 Donegal 0-11
And Donegal have extended their lead at the other end with back-to-back scores. Firstly, Ciaran Thompson is on the mark and then, after another poor Cavan kick-out, Jamie Brennan stretches his side’s advantage.
30 mins — Cavan 0-4 Donegal 0-11
Oisin Pierson scores a much-needed point for Cavan as Mickey Graham makes a change, with Stephen Murray on for Niall Murray.
Michael Murphy and Killian Clarke get up close and personal.
33 mins — Cavan 0-4 Donegal 0-12
Michael Murphy battles under the high ball with Raymond Galligan but the Donegal captain concedes the foul and he picks up a yellow card for his troubles.
35 mins — Cavan 0-5 Donegal 0-12
We’ll have four minutes of injury time at the end of this half, and as we enter added time, Gearoid McKiernan makes no mistake from a free for Cavan.
35 + 3 mins — Cavan 0-5 Donegal 0-13
But Donegal strike on the counter-attack to go into the break with an eight-point lead. Jamie Brennan with his third point of the afternoon.
Half-time! Cavan 0-5 Donegal 0-13
Donegal were mightily impressive in that opening period, with the reigning Ulster champions having nine different scorers in Clones so far. Cavan have struggled and haven’t really settled into the occasion, with Mickey Graham’s side up against it.
What did you make of that first half?
We’re back underway! Cavan have it all to do in this second half in Clones. Can they stage an unlikely comeback?
36 mins — Cavan 0-5 Donegal 0-13
Cavan have made two changes at the break: Conor Madden and Cian Mackey are on for Gerard Smith and Oisin Kiernan.
37 mins — Cavan 0-5 Donegal 0-14
Mickey Graham’s side needed a fast start but it’s Donegal who are doing all the early pressing on the restart, and Murphy extends their lead out to nine.
38 mins — Cavan 0-6 Donegal 0-14
Gearoid McKiernan responds with a point for Cavan.
40 mins — Cavan 0-6 Donegal 0-15
That’s glorious from Donegal, who show pace, precision and patience to eventually manufacture the space for Paddy McBrearty to finish off a fine move.
41 mins — Cavan 0-7 Donegal 0-15
Another good response from Cavan through Dara McVeety but they’ll need to conjure something special to overhaul this deficit. Donegal are beginning to move through the gears.
43 mins — Cavan 0-7 Donegal 0-16
Donegal are playing with so much confidence and with Michael Langan pointing, all of their forward line has now registered a score this afternoon. Niall O’Donnell, meanwhile, has made way for Daire Ó Baoill.
Donegal are keeping the scoreboard ticking over.
47 mins — Cavan 0-9 Donegal 0-17
Having scored just one goal in this year’s championship, you feel Cavan are going to need to take every opportunity from here on in, but after coming up to take a free, Raymond Galligan is unable to convert from long-range. Gearoid McKiernan and Paddy McBrearty then exchange scores.
50 mins — Cavan 0-9 Donegal 0-18
Another poor kick-out from Galligan and McBrearty doesn’t need a second invitation to punish the Cavan goalkeeper with another fine score. Donegal lead by nine.
53 mins — Cavan 0-9 Donegal 0-18
Conor Moynagh ventures forward and really should have pointed there but Cavan’s frustration is increased as he misses, before Stephen McMenamin gets involved in some needless afters and is booked.
54 mins — Cavan 0-11 Donegal 0-18
The rain has just started to fall in Clones and suddenly Cavan have back-to-back scores, which moves them back to within seven.
15 minutes left in Clones.
56 mins — GOAL! Cavan 0-12 Donegal 1-18
Cavan’s comeback is stopped in its tracks. After four points in a row at one end, Jamie Brennan strikes at the other to give Donegal some breathing space again.
60 mins — Cavan 0-12 Donegal 1-18
Donegal’s lead is back out to nine points and the atmosphere has been drained out of St Tiernach’s Park again. Ódhrán McFadden has been replaced by Paul Brennan for the final 10 minutes.
61 mins — Cavan 0-12 Donegal 1-18
Declan Bonner’s side now very much in control of this Ulster final as we head towards the 70-minute mark.
Here’s a closer look at Jamie Brennan’s goal.
63 mins — GOAL! Cavan 1-13 Donegal 1-20
Cavan are not giving up just yet! Brilliant from Cian Mackey as he uses all his experience and skill to set up Conor Madden for a simple finish at the back post. We’ve got a seven-point game.
And here’s the Cavan goal. Can they stage a late, late comeback?
67 mins — Cavan 1-14 Donegal 1-21
Fine piece of play from Dara McVeety leads to his third score of the day but Cavan are running out of time. They trail by seven.
68 mins — Cavan 1-14 Donegal 1-21
After Cavan threatened to rally, Donegal — through that Brennan goal — have shut the door emphatically and are now on the verge of another Ulster title. Two minutes left.
69 mins — Cavan 1-14 Donegal 1-22
Donegal are finishing strongly and it’s that man Brennan again. He has 1-4 this afternoon.
70 mins — Cavan 1-15 Donegal 1-22
We’ll have five minutes of added time in Clones.
70 + 4 mins — GOAL! Cavan 2-16 Donegal 1-24
That’s an incredible finish as Stephen Murray flicks a long ball in past the Donegal goalkeeper. Too little, too late for Cavan though.
Full-time! Cavan 2-16 Donegal 1-24
Donegal have emphatically retained their Ulster senior football championship crown with an impressive victory over Cavan, whose first appearance in the provincial showpiece since 2001 ends in disappointment.
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