CAVAN GAA CHIEFS are confident that their upcoming All-Ireland SFC qualifier round two tie against Kildare in Kingspan Breffni Park will pass off without incident despite the huge interest that is set to be created as a result of Kildare player Seanie Johnston potentially lining up against his native county.
This morning’s qualifier draw on TV3′s Ireland AM programme pitted Cavan and Kildare together in a tie that is the clear standout fixture of the eight games that will take place on the weekend of July 14th-15th.
The Breffni county board’s PRO Declan Woods told TheScore.ie this afternoon that they will follow their normal procedures for hosting a game at the Cavan town venue . Woods also outlined that they have a history of staging big games at the stadium and cited last summer’s All-Ireland qualifier tie between Meath and Louth, a repeat of the 2010 infamous Leinster final, as an example of the successful arrangements that are put in place.
“We understand that there’s going to be greater interest in this game and it could bring a few more supporters and media representatives. But we don’t envisage doing anything different in organising everything before the match. We’re very proud of Kingspan Breffni Park as a venue. We’ve a track record of holding large games at the stadium like All-Ireland U21 final in 2010, this year’s All-Ireland club final replay and the Meath and Louth qualifier last year which was a tense occasion. Nothing went wrong before and I don’t think anything will now.
“We’re just focusing on our normal arrangements as regards stewarding and policing the crowd that will attend the game. Ultimately we feel this is a great showcase for Kingspan Breffni Park. And we’re just delighted to be involved in round two of the qualifiers. We’ve a young team but they’ve put in a phenomenal effort, as have the team management, and it was a great championship win for them against Fermanagh on Sunday.”
Woods is also adamant that the protracted saga involving Johnston’s transfer has not been a distraction for Cavan’s preparations this season.
“It’s been no distraction for our players. In their mind this all ended a long time ago when he left and moved on. After the joy of winning in Enniskillen on Sunday, the players went back and had their team meal where they discussed who they could get in the next round. Of course it was obvious to them that if they got Kildare, there would be huge interest in the game from outside. But it didn’t really bother them if that was to transpire.”
The capacity of Kingspan Breffni Park is 22,000 and it was an all-ticket affair for last year’s high-profile game between Meath and Louth. But the critical difference was that game was a double-header with the qualifier tie between Cavan and Longford, and Woods revealed that it is up to GAA officials at a national level to determine whether the upcoming game with Kildare will be a ticket-only clash for supporters. The CCCC of the GAA are set to announce dates, times and venues for the eight second round qualifier ties tomorrow.
“It’ll be a decision for the GAA to make about tickets. While Kildare and Cavan do both have traditionally big supporter numbers when it comes to football championship games, I’m not sure we’ll get a huge amount of neutrals because of the other qualifier games that will be on. Neighbouring counties like Leitrim, Roscommon, Westmeath and Monaghan are all in action in round two as well so our game could well be clashing with theirs.”
The one time he used an arm in a tackle he nearly decapitated a lad. He’s safer with his no arm efforts, plus he never gets carded for them.
He’s only ‘incredibly regretful’ because a ref finally had the stones to do something about his persistent cheap shots and dreadful technique during a game. Overrated player regardless, I hope he has the book thrown at him.
@Carmine Lorenzo: ah but he’s sorry
@Carmine Lorenzo: terrible challenge but far from overrated
@Stephen Duffy: He’s not as good a 10 as the likes of ‘Barnesey’ and Stephen Jones make out.
@Carmine Lorenzo: ah lads over rated. He is a work horse with a good brain and a winner. He is loyal to a club that yes we all cant abide but he is an outstanding player. Id love if he joined Munster….as unpopular that is to say but we would win a cup
@Carmine Lorenzo: I was surprised to read it was his first red card of his career. He is involved in high tackles quite regularly. Great player but plays on the edge too much for me.
He has been tackling like this for years and never sanctioned for it. He deserves everything he gets too. He’s a brilliant player but he’s a dirty player too.
@Batster: 100% agree. They need to make a statement for whole of rugby here.
His reaction indicated he realised he’d miss the Leinster game, bugger all remorse really. But the Sarries PR machine running to defend him, will ensure he gets the minimum ban possible….
Want to see him play. Class player
@ollie:
@ollie: You’re some fisherman
@Rosco Bosco: always liked him couldn’t care that he’s English. Fellas class on the ball and decapitates attackers. It’s wrong but he’s unreal
@ollie: aggressive kicking game too
@ollie: aw nobody is biting! I’ll help out. What do you mean Ollie? He’s a fouling no good so-and-so! There, is that better?
Ohhh that’s only the 4th …. maybe 5th time we’ve had to hear that sentiment??
@Dave O’Shaughnessy: actually, check how many bans he’s had
@Dave O’Keeffe:
I know, it’s terrible that he’s gotten away with it for so long.
No he is not sorry at all he is a dirty player and he is only sorry because he was been caught. He has got away with dangerous play for far too long. I hope he gets more than a slap on the hand.
Problem here is the fake arm tackle practiced by a huge percentage of today’s rugby players. They clench their muscles
and throw the arm in in what is essentially a hit rather than an attempt to grab the opponent. Unfortunately for Farrell this dodgy technique allied to the player changing direction and height at the moment of the tackle led to this incredibly dangerous tackle! Still lots of work to be done on tackle technique and defensive coaches expectations!
@CARMODY Neil: very well said.
Incredible knob
His good disciplinary record, are you having a laugh. At last a ref with the guts to stop him.
@Ian James Burgess: what do you mean the guts to stop him
It was a reckless challenge and the worst referee on the planet no matter how incompetent would have to send him off
A long time coming. Talented player but have absolutely no time for him. Filthy player.
So there is low medium and high level and if his is eventually classed as mid, what would high actually be? It would have to be a very frightening outcome it seems. Let’s just wait and see how much they are genuinely stamping out this kind of low life thug.
Big cj stander will shake him off his leg again
I am me….I can do this stuff……I am untouchable…..oh gosh, mebbe not!
Very poor tackling technique. Leads to fouls and dangerous play. Bout time he was sanctioned
Class act marred by cheap shots.
He’ll probably only get a two match ban
He’s a dirt tackler.