Cavan have claimed a massive scalp after a huge victory in their All-Ireland Championship opener against Mayo in McHale Park.
The Breffni side stunned Kevin McStay’s side for a first championship victory over Mayo since 1948.
Cavan got the first two scores of the day from Cormac O’Reilly and Ciaran Brady before a long break in play after a serious looking injury to Barry Donnelly.
Ryan O’Donoghue got Mayo’s first score before Oisin Kiernan’s point was met with an O’Donoghue two-pointer to bring the sides level.
It was a tight end to the first-half. However, a black card for Mayo’s Davitt Neary actually provided encouragement for the side in green and red. The hosts opened up a three point lead going into the half-time interval.
A Cavan goal right at the start of the second-half from Gerard Smith was a signal of intent as the blues found themselves level.
It wasn’t until the 18th minute of the second period that someone managed to take the game to the opposition. Oisin Kiernan landing, a wonderful two-pointer from the Cavan man.
This provided Ray Galligan’s side with the platform they needed to fully take control of the game. Cavan kicked over the next five scores of the game without reply.
Cavan concentration’s lapsed in injury time as Mayo claimed the final three scores, including an Aiden O’Shea goal.
However, it was too little too late as Cavan claim a famous victory to kick off their Championship campaign.
Cavan scored a 1-17 to 1-14 victory.
