Cavan GAA
Encyclopedia
The Cavan County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association
(GAA) or Cavan GAA is one of the 32 county boards
of the GAA in Ireland
, and is responsible for Gaelic games
in County Cavan
. The county board is also responsible for the Cavan inter-county teams
.
Cavan's five All Ireland titles were won in a 19-year period: they foiled Kerry
's five-in-a-row bid with a last minute goal from Vincent McGovern at Breffni Park in 1933, beat Galway
and Kildare
in the 1933 and 1935 finals, won the famous 1947 final in the Polo Grounds
in New York City
, followed it up with an extraordinary win over Mayo
in 1948 on the day of the "big wind" (Cavan led 3-2 to nil at half-time and won by 4-5 to 4-4) and beat Meath
in a replay in 1952 through a free-taking display by Mick Higgins.
They became famous for their handpass, perfected by players such as Simon Deignan, and were involved in several handpass controversies. In 1928 Kildare
's Paddy Loughlin almost certainly threw the winning goal into the Cavan net in the All-Ireland final. Cavan got revenge in 1935, but when Packie Boylan handpassed what would have been the winning point against Kerry
in the All-Ireland final it was disallowed, and Cavan lost the replay, if not before the celebration bonfires were lit because the Radio Éireann commentator had not noticed the referee's decision.
Controversy was never far from Cavan in the early days of the Association. In 1917 they proposed a new province of Tara, comprising Meath
, Louth
, Westmeath
, themselves and Longford
, because of a series of disputes with the Ulster Council, and also tried to play in Connacht instead. They staged a famous rebellion before the 1930 Ulster final over the venue. Cavan official Barney Fay gathered up a rebel team, they lost the final, and Fay was suspended by his own County Board.
National League Division 4 1984
Famous Players
Finbarr Noonan
John Wall
PJ Kelly
Martin Butler
Enda Sheridan
Cecil O Reilly
(née Donohoe) who helped revive the game in Cavan in 1968. All Cavan’s scores in both matches were scored by Rita Sullivan.
Cavan won the second division of the National Camogie League
in 1981 and reached the 1994 junior final
only to lose to Cork. They won the Máire Ní Chinnéide Cup in 2009. Agnes O'Farrelly
and Agnes Hennessy
served as presidents of the Camogie Association
).
Under Camogie’s National Development Plan 2010-2015, “Our Game, Our Passion,” Carlow, Cavan, Laois, Louth and Roscommon are to get a total of 17 new clubs by 2015.
Since the 1960s there has been a tradition of annually selecting the best footballer in each position, to create a special team of the year. Between 1963 and 1967 these players received what was known as Cú Chulainn awards. In 1971 these awards were formalised into the annual All Star Awards.
A number of Cavan players have been selected to play International rules football
for the Ireland team
against Australia
:
Gaelic Athletic Association
The Gaelic Athletic Association is an amateur Irish and international cultural and sporting organisation focused primarily on promoting Gaelic games, which include the traditional Irish sports of hurling, camogie, Gaelic football, handball and rounders...
(GAA) or Cavan GAA is one of the 32 county boards
GAA county
A Gaelic Athletic Association county is a geographic region within the Gaelic Athletic Association , controlled by a county board and originally based on the counties of Ireland as they were in 1884. While the counties of Ireland have changed since the foundation of that date, the GAA counties have...
of the GAA in Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
, and is responsible for Gaelic games
Gaelic games
Gaelic games are sports played in Ireland under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The two main games are Gaelic football and hurling...
in County Cavan
County Cavan
County Cavan is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Cavan. Cavan County Council is the local authority for the county...
. The county board is also responsible for the Cavan inter-county teams
History
Cavan were the first county to organise in Ulster, dominating that championship and even competing in Leinster in 1895, lining out against LouthLouth GAA
The Louth County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Louth GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Louth. The county board is also responsible for the Louth inter-county teams....
.
Gaelic football
Kerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
's five-in-a-row bid with a last minute goal from Vincent McGovern at Breffni Park in 1933, beat Galway
Galway GAA
The Galway County Boards of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Galway GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Galway. The county boards are also responsible for the Galway inter-county teams.Unlike all other counties in Ireland,...
and Kildare
Kildare GAA
For more information see Kildare Senior Club Football Championship or Kildare Senior Club Hurling Championship.The Kildare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Kildare GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kildare...
in the 1933 and 1935 finals, won the famous 1947 final in the Polo Grounds
Polo Grounds
The Polo Grounds was the name given to four different stadiums in Upper Manhattan, New York City, used by many professional teams in both baseball and American football from 1880 until 1963...
in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, followed it up with an extraordinary win over Mayo
Mayo GAA
The Mayo County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Mayo GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Mayo and the Mayo inter-county teams.-History:...
in 1948 on the day of the "big wind" (Cavan led 3-2 to nil at half-time and won by 4-5 to 4-4) and beat Meath
Meath GAA
The Meath County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Meath GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Meath, as well as for Meath inter-county teams.- Pre-1960s :...
in a replay in 1952 through a free-taking display by Mick Higgins.
They became famous for their handpass, perfected by players such as Simon Deignan, and were involved in several handpass controversies. In 1928 Kildare
Kildare GAA
For more information see Kildare Senior Club Football Championship or Kildare Senior Club Hurling Championship.The Kildare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Kildare GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kildare...
's Paddy Loughlin almost certainly threw the winning goal into the Cavan net in the All-Ireland final. Cavan got revenge in 1935, but when Packie Boylan handpassed what would have been the winning point against Kerry
Kerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
in the All-Ireland final it was disallowed, and Cavan lost the replay, if not before the celebration bonfires were lit because the Radio Éireann commentator had not noticed the referee's decision.
Controversy was never far from Cavan in the early days of the Association. In 1917 they proposed a new province of Tara, comprising Meath
Meath GAA
The Meath County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Meath GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Meath, as well as for Meath inter-county teams.- Pre-1960s :...
, Louth
Louth GAA
The Louth County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Louth GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Louth. The county board is also responsible for the Louth inter-county teams....
, Westmeath
Westmeath GAA
The Westmeath County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Westmeath GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Westmeath...
, themselves and Longford
Longford GAA
The Longford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Longford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Longford...
, because of a series of disputes with the Ulster Council, and also tried to play in Connacht instead. They staged a famous rebellion before the 1930 Ulster final over the venue. Cavan official Barney Fay gathered up a rebel team, they lost the final, and Fay was suspended by his own County Board.
Famous players
- Tom O'Reilly
- John Joe O'Reilly
- John P. WilsonJohn P. WilsonJohn Patrick Wilson was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician. He was first elected as a Teachta Dála for Cavan in 1973 and served in Dáil Éireann until 1992...
- Larry ReillyLarry ReillyLarry Reilly was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:The Knockbride clubman helped Cavan by scoring 2pts to claim their only Ulster Senior Football Championship title in 28 years, beating Derry in Clones. His older brother Peter Reilly also played in the Final.-International...
- P. J. DukeP. J. DukePhilip J. Duke was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:Duke was a versatile footballer, he could play as a Half-Back, Midfielder or as a Forward. Cavan’s historic win over Kerry in the 1947 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final played at the Polo Grounds in New York...
- Mick HigginsMick HigginsMick Higgins was an Irish sportsperson who played Gaelic football for Cavan, winning three All-Ireland medals during his career...
- Phil 'The Gunner' BradyPhil 'The Gunner' BradyPhil 'The Gunner' Brady was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan. He won All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medals in 1947,’48,'52-Playing career:...
- Dermot McCabeDermot McCabeDermot McCabe was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:He has been ever-present since breaking into the Cavan team in 1995 when they lost an Ulster final against Tyrone. He helped Cavan reach reached the All-Ireland Under 21 Football Championship final in 1996, but they were...
All-Ireland Senior Football Championships:5
| Year | Squad | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| 1933 | W. Young, M. Denneny, J. Smith, W. Connolly, Tom O'Reilly (Mullahoran), P. Lynch, P. Phair, H. O'Reilly Hughie O’Reilly Hugh 'Hughie' O’Reilly was a Gaelic football player and manager for Cavan and Cootehill Celtic GAA Club.-Playing career:The Cootehill clubman is the only man to be involved in all of Cavan's Senior All-Ireland Championship victories. He played and won 2 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship... , T. Coyle, L. Blessing, P. Devlin, D. Morgan, J. Smallhorn, V. McGovern, M. Magee. Subs: T. O'Reilly Tom O'Reilly (Cavan politician) Thomas P. O'Reilly , known as Tom O'Reilly, was an Irish Gaelic footballer, politician and farmer from County Cavan. He was born at the Derries Upper, Killeshandra, County Cavan... , T. Crowe, P. Connolly |
Cavan:2-5 Galway:1-4 |
| 1935 | W. Young,, W. Connolly, J. Smith, M. Denneny, T. Dolan, T. O'Reilly (Mullahoran), P. Phair, H. O'Reilly Hughie O’Reilly Hugh 'Hughie' O’Reilly was a Gaelic football player and manager for Cavan and Cootehill Celtic GAA Club.-Playing career:The Cootehill clubman is the only man to be involved in all of Cavan's Senior All-Ireland Championship victories. He played and won 2 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship... , T. O'Reilly Tom O'Reilly (Cavan politician) Thomas P. O'Reilly , known as Tom O'Reilly, was an Irish Gaelic footballer, politician and farmer from County Cavan. He was born at the Derries Upper, Killeshandra, County Cavan... , D. Morgan, P. Devlin, J. Smallhorn, P. Boylan, L. Blessing, M. Magee |
Cavan:3-6 Kildare:2-5 |
| 1947 | V. Gannon, W. Doonan Willie Doonan Willie Doonan is a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-County career:Doonan served with the British Army in Italy during World War 2. He was shot and injured his knee and ankle and was honourably discharged in 1945 when he was selected for Cavan in the Ulster campaign and subsequent all... , B. O'Reilly, P. Smith, J.P. Wilson John P. Wilson John Patrick Wilson was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician. He was first elected as a Teachta Dála for Cavan in 1973 and served in Dáil Éireann until 1992... , J. J. O'Reilly, S. Deignan Simon Deignan Simon Deignan is a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:A native of Mullagh. Deignan won a All-Ireland Minor Football Championship medal in 1938. He formed a brilliant half back partnership with P. J. Duke & J. J. O'Reilly that won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship... , P. J. Duke P. J. Duke Philip J. Duke was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:Duke was a versatile footballer, he could play as a Half-Back, Midfielder or as a Forward. Cavan’s historic win over Kerry in the 1947 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final played at the Polo Grounds in New York... , P. Brady Phil 'The Gunner' Brady Phil 'The Gunner' Brady was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan. He won All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medals in 1947,’48,'52-Playing career:... , A. Tighe Tony Tighe Anthony 'Tony' Tighe was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan. He won three All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medals won in 1947, 48 and 1952-Playing career:... , M. Higgins Mick Higgins Mick Higgins was an Irish sportsperson who played Gaelic football for Cavan, winning three All-Ireland medals during his career... , C. McDyer Columba McDyer Columba McDyer was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan & Donegal.-Playing career:McDyer played as a centre half-Forward. He brought an element of tactics to the forward line. The Glenties man played with the great Cavan team which won the All-Ireland Final in Polo Grounds, New York in 1947... , J. Stafford Joe Stafford Joe Stafford was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:Stafford played at right full forward and was a prolific goalscorer for Cavan in the 40's. He is 9th in All-time top Ulster goalscorers chart. His goal was crucial in securing Cavan's famous victory in the All-Ireland... , P. Donohoe Peter Donohoe (gaelic footballer) Peter Donohoe was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:Donohoe played at full forward and was a prolific freetaker for Cavan in the 40's and early 50's . Peter Donohoe's eight points from frees were crucial in securing Cavan's famous victory in the All-Ireland Senior Football... , T.P. O'Reilly Tom O'Reilly (Cavan politician) Thomas P. O'Reilly , known as Tom O'Reilly, was an Irish Gaelic footballer, politician and farmer from County Cavan. He was born at the Derries Upper, Killeshandra, County Cavan... . |
Cavan:2-11 Kerry:2-7 |
| 1948 | J.D. Benson Des Benson Des Benson was a Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:Des Benson was a goalkeeper for Cavan in the 40's and he was considered to be one of the most underrated player of Cavan’s glorious period. He won a All-Ireland Minor Football Championship medal in 1938... , W. Doonan Willie Doonan Willie Doonan is a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-County career:Doonan served with the British Army in Italy during World War 2. He was shot and injured his knee and ankle and was honourably discharged in 1945 when he was selected for Cavan in the Ulster campaign and subsequent all... , B. O'Reilly, P. Smith, P. J. Duke P. J. Duke Philip J. Duke was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:Duke was a versatile footballer, he could play as a Half-Back, Midfielder or as a Forward. Cavan’s historic win over Kerry in the 1947 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final played at the Polo Grounds in New York... , J.J. O'Reilly J.J. O'Reilly John Joe O'Reilly was a famous Gaelic footballer from County Cavan.John Joe O'Reilly was born at the Derries Upper, Killeshandra, County Cavan. His father was Big John O'Reilly who played as goalkeeper on the Cavan county team and his mother was Sarah Anne... , S. Deignan Simon Deignan Simon Deignan is a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:A native of Mullagh. Deignan won a All-Ireland Minor Football Championship medal in 1938. He formed a brilliant half back partnership with P. J. Duke & J. J. O'Reilly that won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship... , P. Brady Phil 'The Gunner' Brady Phil 'The Gunner' Brady was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan. He won All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medals in 1947,’48,'52-Playing career:... , V. Sherlock Victor Sherlock Victor Sherlock was a former Gaelic football player for Meath and Cavan. Among other honours, he won All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medals in 1948 and 1952 with Cavan.-Playing career:Sherlock was a versatile footballer... , A. Tighe Tony Tighe Anthony 'Tony' Tighe was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan. He won three All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medals won in 1947, 48 and 1952-Playing career:... , M. Higgins Mick Higgins Mick Higgins was an Irish sportsperson who played Gaelic football for Cavan, winning three All-Ireland medals during his career... , J.J. Cassidy John Joe Cassidy John Joe Cassidy was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-County career:John Joe was born and raised in Arva and got a taste of New York when he represented Cavan in the 1947 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship against Kerry in the Polo Grounds. He lined out at wing half forward in the... , J. Stafford Joe Stafford Joe Stafford was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:Stafford played at right full forward and was a prolific goalscorer for Cavan in the 40's. He is 9th in All-time top Ulster goalscorers chart. His goal was crucial in securing Cavan's famous victory in the All-Ireland... , P. Donohoe Peter Donohoe (gaelic footballer) Peter Donohoe was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:Donohoe played at full forward and was a prolific freetaker for Cavan in the 40's and early 50's . Peter Donohoe's eight points from frees were crucial in securing Cavan's famous victory in the All-Ireland Senior Football... , E. Carolan Edwin Carolan Edwin Carolan is a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:A native of Mullagh. He was a member of the great Cavan squad which won the All-Ireland Final in the Polo Grounds, New York in 1947. He won a second All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medal the following year... . Sub: O.R. McGovern Owen Roe McGovern Owen Roe McGovern was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:A native of Swanlinbar, he could play at corner-back or half-back. He won 2 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medals in 1947,'48. He was a member of the great Cavan squad which won the All-Ireland Final in the... |
Cavan:4-5 Mayo:4-4 |
| 1952 Draw |
S. Morris, J. McCabe, P. Brady Phil 'The Gunner' Brady Phil 'The Gunner' Brady was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan. He won All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medals in 1947,’48,'52-Playing career:... , D. Maguire, P. Carolan, L. Maguire, B. O'Reilly, T. Hardy, V. Sherlock Victor Sherlock Victor Sherlock was a former Gaelic football player for Meath and Cavan. Among other honours, he won All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medals in 1948 and 1952 with Cavan.-Playing career:Sherlock was a versatile footballer... , S. Hetherton, M. Higgins Mick Higgins Mick Higgins was an Irish sportsperson who played Gaelic football for Cavan, winning three All-Ireland medals during his career... , E. Carolan Edwin Carolan Edwin Carolan is a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:A native of Mullagh. He was a member of the great Cavan squad which won the All-Ireland Final in the Polo Grounds, New York in 1947. He won a second All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medal the following year... , J.J. Cassidy John Joe Cassidy John Joe Cassidy was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-County career:John Joe was born and raised in Arva and got a taste of New York when he represented Cavan in the 1947 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship against Kerry in the Polo Grounds. He lined out at wing half forward in the... , A. Tighe Tony Tighe Anthony 'Tony' Tighe was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan. He won three All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medals won in 1947, 48 and 1952-Playing career:... , P. Fitzsimons Paul Fitzsimons -County career:Paul Fitzsimons lined out at corner forward in the 1952 victorious final. he played in the drawn game and was introduced as sub for John Joe Cassidy in the replay and went on to score 1pt. Cavan went on to celebrate a 0-9 to 0-5 win.-References:... |
Cavan:2-4 Meath:1-7 |
| Replay | S. Morris, J. McCabe, P. Brady, D. Maguire, P. Carolan, L. Maguire, B. O'Reilly, T. Hardy, V. Sherlock, S. Hetherton, M. Higgins, E. Carolan Edwin Carolan Edwin Carolan is a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:A native of Mullagh. He was a member of the great Cavan squad which won the All-Ireland Final in the Polo Grounds, New York in 1947. He won a second All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medal the following year... , J.J. Cassidy John Joe Cassidy John Joe Cassidy was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-County career:John Joe was born and raised in Arva and got a taste of New York when he represented Cavan in the 1947 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship against Kerry in the Polo Grounds. He lined out at wing half forward in the... , A. Tighe Tony Tighe Anthony 'Tony' Tighe was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan. He won three All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medals won in 1947, 48 and 1952-Playing career:... , J. Cusack. Sub: P. Fitzsimons Paul Fitzsimons -County career:Paul Fitzsimons lined out at corner forward in the 1952 victorious final. he played in the drawn game and was introduced as sub for John Joe Cassidy in the replay and went on to score 1pt. Cavan went on to celebrate a 0-9 to 0-5 win.-References:... |
Cavan:0-9 Meath:0-5 |
All-Ireland Junior Football Championships:1
| Year | Squad | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| 1927 | J. Morgan, J. Martin, T. Crowe, G. Malcolmson, F. Fitzpatrick, L. Flaherty, H. O'Reilly Hughie O’Reilly Hugh 'Hughie' O’Reilly was a Gaelic football player and manager for Cavan and Cootehill Celtic GAA Club.-Playing career:The Cootehill clubman is the only man to be involved in all of Cavan's Senior All-Ireland Championship victories. He played and won 2 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship... , P. Devlin, T. Corr, F. Reid, P.J. O'Reilly, L. Mallon, A. Conlon, P. Lynch, J.P. Dolan |
Cavan:0-7 Kildare:0-3 |
All-Ireland Minor Football Championships:2
| Year | Squad | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| 1937 | J.J. Brady, M. Argue, B. Cully, T. Cully, P. Clarke, M. O'Reilly, T.P. O'Reilly Tom O'Reilly (Cavan politician) Thomas P. O'Reilly , known as Tom O'Reilly, was an Irish Gaelic footballer, politician and farmer from County Cavan. He was born at the Derries Upper, Killeshandra, County Cavan... , P. O'Reilly, D. Brady, P. Conaty, H. Bouchier, P. McDonnell, J. McCormack, M. Farrell, P. Fay |
Cavan:1-11 Kerry:0-8 |
| 1938 | J.D. Benson Des Benson Des Benson was a Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:Des Benson was a goalkeeper for Cavan in the 40's and he was considered to be one of the most underrated player of Cavan’s glorious period. He won a All-Ireland Minor Football Championship medal in 1938... , W. Doonan Willie Doonan Willie Doonan is a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-County career:Doonan served with the British Army in Italy during World War 2. He was shot and injured his knee and ankle and was honourably discharged in 1945 when he was selected for Cavan in the Ulster campaign and subsequent all... , B. Cully, P. Galligan, M. Reilly, P. Coyle, S. Deignan Simon Deignan Simon Deignan is a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:A native of Mullagh. Deignan won a All-Ireland Minor Football Championship medal in 1938. He formed a brilliant half back partnership with P. J. Duke & J. J. O'Reilly that won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship... , J. Maguire, J. McCormack, K. O'Reilly, P. Conaty, M. Fitzsimons, F. Coyle, J. Johnson, P. Doyle |
Cavan:3-3 Wexford:1-5 |
National Football League:2
| Year | Squad | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| 1947/48 | J.D. Benson Des Benson Des Benson was a Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:Des Benson was a goalkeeper for Cavan in the 40's and he was considered to be one of the most underrated player of Cavan’s glorious period. He won a All-Ireland Minor Football Championship medal in 1938... , W. Doonan Willie Doonan Willie Doonan is a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-County career:Doonan served with the British Army in Italy during World War 2. He was shot and injured his knee and ankle and was honourably discharged in 1945 when he was selected for Cavan in the Ulster campaign and subsequent all... , B. O'Reilly, P. Smith, P. J. Duke P. J. Duke Philip J. Duke was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:Duke was a versatile footballer, he could play as a Half-Back, Midfielder or as a Forward. Cavan’s historic win over Kerry in the 1947 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final played at the Polo Grounds in New York... , J.J. O'Reilly J.J. O'Reilly John Joe O'Reilly was a famous Gaelic footballer from County Cavan.John Joe O'Reilly was born at the Derries Upper, Killeshandra, County Cavan. His father was Big John O'Reilly who played as goalkeeper on the Cavan county team and his mother was Sarah Anne... , S. Deignan Simon Deignan Simon Deignan is a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:A native of Mullagh. Deignan won a All-Ireland Minor Football Championship medal in 1938. He formed a brilliant half back partnership with P. J. Duke & J. J. O'Reilly that won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship... , P. Brady Phil 'The Gunner' Brady Phil 'The Gunner' Brady was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan. He won All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medals in 1947,’48,'52-Playing career:... , V. Sherlock Victor Sherlock Victor Sherlock was a former Gaelic football player for Meath and Cavan. Among other honours, he won All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medals in 1948 and 1952 with Cavan.-Playing career:Sherlock was a versatile footballer... , A. Tighe Tony Tighe Anthony 'Tony' Tighe was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan. He won three All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medals won in 1947, 48 and 1952-Playing career:... , M. Higgins Mick Higgins Mick Higgins was an Irish sportsperson who played Gaelic football for Cavan, winning three All-Ireland medals during his career... , J.J. Cassidy John Joe Cassidy John Joe Cassidy was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-County career:John Joe was born and raised in Arva and got a taste of New York when he represented Cavan in the 1947 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship against Kerry in the Polo Grounds. He lined out at wing half forward in the... , J. Stafford Joe Stafford Joe Stafford was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:Stafford played at right full forward and was a prolific goalscorer for Cavan in the 40's. He is 9th in All-time top Ulster goalscorers chart. His goal was crucial in securing Cavan's famous victory in the All-Ireland... , P. Donohoe Peter Donohoe (gaelic footballer) Peter Donohoe was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:Donohoe played at full forward and was a prolific freetaker for Cavan in the 40's and early 50's . Peter Donohoe's eight points from frees were crucial in securing Cavan's famous victory in the All-Ireland Senior Football... , E. Carolan Edwin Carolan Edwin Carolan is a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:A native of Mullagh. He was a member of the great Cavan squad which won the All-Ireland Final in the Polo Grounds, New York in 1947. He won a second All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medal the following year... (probable team) |
Cavan:5–9 Cork:2–8 (replay) |
| 1949/50 | S. Morris, W. Doonan Willie Doonan Willie Doonan is a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-County career:Doonan served with the British Army in Italy during World War 2. He was shot and injured his knee and ankle and was honourably discharged in 1945 when he was selected for Cavan in the Ulster campaign and subsequent all... , B. O'Reilly, P. Smith, O.R. McGovern Owen Roe McGovern Owen Roe McGovern was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:A native of Swanlinbar, he could play at corner-back or half-back. He won 2 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medals in 1947,'48. He was a member of the great Cavan squad which won the All-Ireland Final in the... , J.J. O'Reilly J.J. O'Reilly John Joe O'Reilly was a famous Gaelic footballer from County Cavan.John Joe O'Reilly was born at the Derries Upper, Killeshandra, County Cavan. His father was Big John O'Reilly who played as goalkeeper on the Cavan county team and his mother was Sarah Anne... , S. Deignan Simon Deignan Simon Deignan is a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:A native of Mullagh. Deignan won a All-Ireland Minor Football Championship medal in 1938. He formed a brilliant half back partnership with P. J. Duke & J. J. O'Reilly that won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship... , P. J. Duke P. J. Duke Philip J. Duke was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:Duke was a versatile footballer, he could play as a Half-Back, Midfielder or as a Forward. Cavan’s historic win over Kerry in the 1947 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final played at the Polo Grounds in New York... , P. Brady Phil 'The Gunner' Brady Phil 'The Gunner' Brady was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan. He won All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medals in 1947,’48,'52-Playing career:... , A. Tighe Tony Tighe Anthony 'Tony' Tighe was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan. He won three All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medals won in 1947, 48 and 1952-Playing career:... , M. Higgins Mick Higgins Mick Higgins was an Irish sportsperson who played Gaelic football for Cavan, winning three All-Ireland medals during his career... , J.J. Cassidy John Joe Cassidy John Joe Cassidy was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-County career:John Joe was born and raised in Arva and got a taste of New York when he represented Cavan in the 1947 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship against Kerry in the Polo Grounds. He lined out at wing half forward in the... , J. Stafford Joe Stafford Joe Stafford was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:Stafford played at right full forward and was a prolific goalscorer for Cavan in the 40's. He is 9th in All-time top Ulster goalscorers chart. His goal was crucial in securing Cavan's famous victory in the All-Ireland... , P. Donohoe Peter Donohoe (gaelic footballer) Peter Donohoe was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:Donohoe played at full forward and was a prolific freetaker for Cavan in the 40's and early 50's . Peter Donohoe's eight points from frees were crucial in securing Cavan's famous victory in the All-Ireland Senior Football... , E. Carolan Edwin Carolan Edwin Carolan is a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:A native of Mullagh. He was a member of the great Cavan squad which won the All-Ireland Final in the Polo Grounds, New York in 1947. He won a second All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medal the following year... . Sub: T.P. O'Reilly Tom O'Reilly (Cavan politician) Thomas P. O'Reilly , known as Tom O'Reilly, was an Irish Gaelic footballer, politician and farmer from County Cavan. He was born at the Derries Upper, Killeshandra, County Cavan... |
Cavan:2-9 Meath:1-6 |
- Ulster Senior Football ChampionshipUlster Senior Football ChampionshipFor information on this years competition, see Ulster Senior Football Championship 2011-2010 Draw:-2009 Draw:-2008 Draw:-Top winners:* All-Ireland winning years in bold.-Roll of honour:Notes:* 1907 No final result in records...
s: 39- 1891, 1903, 1904, 1905, 1915, 1918, 1919, 1920, 1922, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1928, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1962, 1964, 1967, 1969, 1997
Year Squad Opponent 1997 Paul O’Dowd, Philip Kermath, Ciarán Brady, Terry Farrelly, Gerry Sheridan, Bernard Morris, Patrick Shiels, Stephen King Stephen King (Gaelic footballer)Stephen King was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:He debut for Cavan in 1980, but didn't have much success in the early years only winning a Railway Cup Medal with Ulster in 1984. In 1989, Cavan had a great run in the National Football League claiming the Div. 2 title and...
, Dermot McCabeDermot McCabeDermot McCabe was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:He has been ever-present since breaking into the Cavan team in 1995 when they lost an Ulster final against Tyrone. He helped Cavan reach reached the All-Ireland Under 21 Football Championship final in 1996, but they were...
, Peter Reilly, Ronan CarolanRonan CarolanRonan Carolan was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:Carolan was a prolific freetaker for Cavan. He helped Cavan reach the All-Ireland Under 21 Football Championship final in 1988, but they were defeated by Offaly. In 1989, Cavan had a great run in the National Football...
(10pts), Ray Cunningham (1pt), Larry ReillyLarry ReillyLarry Reilly was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:The Knockbride clubman helped Cavan by scoring 2pts to claim their only Ulster Senior Football Championship title in 28 years, beating Derry in Clones. His older brother Peter Reilly also played in the Final.-International...
(2pts), Fintan Cahill, Damien O'ReillyDamien O'ReillyDamien O’Reilly was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:O’Reilly was a versatile footballer, he could play in defence or as a forward. He helped Cavan reach the All-Ireland Under 21 Football Championship final in 1988, but they were defeated by Offaly. In 1989, Cavan had a...
. Used Suds: Philip Smith, Jason Reilly (1-1), Mickey Graham, Antony Forde.Cavan:1-14
Derry:0-16
- 1891, 1903, 1904, 1905, 1915, 1918, 1919, 1920, 1922, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1928, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1962, 1964, 1967, 1969, 1997
- Ulster Junior Football ChampionshipUlster Junior Football ChampionshipThe Ulster Junior Football Championship is a junior Gaelic football knockout competition organised by the Ulster GAA. The competition began in 1914, with Cavan winning during the inaugural title. The most successful county to date is Cavan, who have won on fourteen occasions. The championship has...
s: 14- 1914, 1915, 1916, 1924, 1927, 1932, 1936, 1938, 1940, 1941, 1944, 1957, 1962, 1984
- Ulster Minor Football ChampionshipUlster Minor Football ChampionshipThe Ulster Minor Football Championship is the Minor "knockout" competition in the game of Gaelic football played in the province of Ulster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Ulster Council. The trophy for the winning side is The Liam Murray Cup. The competition began in 1930, with...
s: 6- 1937, 1938, 1952, 1959, 1974, 2011
- Ulster Under-21 Football ChampionshipUlster Under-21 Football ChampionshipFor the Senior equivalent see: Ulster Senior Football ChampionshipThe Ulster Under-21 Football Championship known for sponsorship reasons as the Cadbury Ulster Under-21 Football Championship is a Gaelic football tournament for players under the age of 21, contested by the nine counties of Ulster in...
s: 3- 1988, 1996, 2011
- Dr. McKenna Cups:11
- 1936, 1940, 1943, 1951, 1953, 1955, 1956, 1962, 1968, 1988, 2000
Honours
- Ulster Senior Hurling ChampionshipUlster Senior Hurling ChampionshipThe Ulster Senior Hurling Championship is the premier intercounty "knockout" competition in the game of hurling played in the province of Ulster. The series of games are organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and are played during the summer months. The Ulster Hurling Final is played in July...
s: 0- Represented Ulster in the 1908 All-Ireland series. Lost the delayed Ulster final for that year when it was played (the following year) to Derry.
- Ulster Junior Hurling ChampionshipUlster Junior Hurling ChampionshipThe Ulster Junior Hurling Championship is a junior "knockout" competition in the game of Hurling played in the province of Ulster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Ulster Council....
s: 2- 1983, 1985
National League Division 4 1984
Famous Players
Finbarr Noonan
John Wall
PJ Kelly
Martin Butler
Enda Sheridan
Cecil O Reilly
Camogie
The high point in Cavan’s camogie history was their Ulster senior titles of 1940 and 1941, when they beat Antrim 2-3 to 1-2 after a wrangle over getting permits to travel to war-time Belfast. They lost to Galway by 4-4 to 0-3 in the 1940 All Ireland semi-final, but drew with Dublin in the 1941 semi-final 4-0 to 3-3, thanks to a last-minute goal from Rita Sullivan, losing the replay 3-4 to 1-1. The team was captained by Mollie O’Brien from KillygarryKillygarry GAA
Killygarry are a Gaelic football club from County Cavan in Ireland. They are affiliated to Cavan GAA.-History:* Founded in 1966.* Young football enthusiasts from the area, who were playing with local teams like Lavey, Drumalee, Cavan Gaels, Laragh and Ballinagh, held a meeting in Killygarry...
(née Donohoe) who helped revive the game in Cavan in 1968. All Cavan’s scores in both matches were scored by Rita Sullivan.
Cavan won the second division of the National Camogie League
National Camogie League
The National Camogie League is the second most important competition in the Irish team sport of Camogie, played exclusively by women. The competition is held in four divisions graded by ability....
in 1981 and reached the 1994 junior final
All-Ireland Junior Camogie Championship
The All-Ireland Junior Camogie Championship is the most important competition for third-tier county teams in the women’s field sport of camogie. In accordance with the practice in GAA competitions the term junior applies to the level of competition rather than the age group...
only to lose to Cork. They won the Máire Ní Chinnéide Cup in 2009. Agnes O'Farrelly
Agnes O'Farrelly
Agnes Winifred O'Farrelly , was an academic and Professor of Irish at University College Dublin . She was also the first female Irish-language novelist, a founding member of Cumann na mBan, and fourth president of the Camogie Association.-Early life:She was born 24 June 1874 in Raffony House,...
and Agnes Hennessy
Agnes Hennessy
Agnes Hennessy from Coragh Cootehill County Cavan was elected the sixth president of the Camogie Association and the second Cavan woman to hold the position when she defeated Áine Ní Riain from Dublin by 22 votes to 13 at the 1945 Congress in Dublin.-Career:Representing the Drumgoon club she first...
served as presidents of the Camogie Association
Camogie Association
The Camogie Association organises and promotes the sport of camogie in Ireland and across the world. The Association has close ties with the Gaelic Athletic Association.-History:...
).
Under Camogie’s National Development Plan 2010-2015, “Our Game, Our Passion,” Carlow, Cavan, Laois, Louth and Roscommon are to get a total of 17 new clubs by 2015.
All Stars
Since the 1960s there has been a tradition of annually selecting the best footballer in each position, to create a special team of the year. Between 1963 and 1967 these players received what was known as Cú Chulainn awards. In 1971 these awards were formalised into the annual All Star Awards.
| Player | Awards | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Gabriel Kelly Gabriel Kelly -Playing career:Renowned as one of the great corner-backs of his era, Kelly was the first Cavan man to receive an Cú Chulainn Award and featured regularly on All-Star teams selected in the 1960s . He was a permanent fixture on the all-conquering Ulster Railway Cup teams of the 1960s... |
3 | 1963,1964,1967 |
| Ray Carolan Ray Carolan Ray Carolan is a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:Ray Carolan was a midfielder. His inspirational qualities helped Cavan win the Ulster Senior Championship in 1962, ’64, ’67 and ’69. He won Railway Cup medals with Ulster in 1964, ‘ 65, ’66 and ’68... |
2 | 1966, 1967 |
| Charlie Gallagher Charlie Gallagher (Gaelic Footballer) Charlie Gallagher was a Gaelic football player for Cavan and Cootehill Celtic GAA Club.-Playing career:... |
1 | 1964 |
| Ollie Brady Ollie Brady Oliver 'Ollie' Brady is a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:Brady was a Half-Back who liked to attack from defence. He won an All-Star Award in 1978 making him Cavan’s first All-star.- References :... |
1 | 1978 |
| Dermot McCabe Dermot McCabe Dermot McCabe was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:He has been ever-present since breaking into the Cavan team in 1995 when they lost an Ulster final against Tyrone. He helped Cavan reach reached the All-Ireland Under 21 Football Championship final in 1996, but they were... |
1 | 1997 |
International Rules representatives
A number of Cavan players have been selected to play International rules football
International rules football
International rules football is a team sport consisting of a hybrid of football codes, which was developed to facilitate international representative matches between Australian rules football players and Gaelic football players....
for the Ireland team
Ireland international rules football team
The Ireland International rules football team is the representative team for Ireland in international rules football, a compromise between Gaelic football and Australian rules football...
against Australia
Australia international rules football team
This article concerns the men's team; for information on the Australian women's team, see Australia women's international rules football team....
:
| Player | Appearances | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Jim Reilly | 3 | 1987 |
| Stephen King Stephen King (Gaelic footballer) Stephen King was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:He debut for Cavan in 1980, but didn't have much success in the early years only winning a Railway Cup Medal with Ulster in 1984. In 1989, Cavan had a great run in the National Football League claiming the Div. 2 title and... |
1 | 1987 |
| Dermot McCabe Dermot McCabe Dermot McCabe was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:He has been ever-present since breaking into the Cavan team in 1995 when they lost an Ulster final against Tyrone. He helped Cavan reach reached the All-Ireland Under 21 Football Championship final in 1996, but they were... |
2 | 1998, 2001 |
| Larry Reilly Larry Reilly Larry Reilly was a former Gaelic football player for Cavan.-Playing career:The Knockbride clubman helped Cavan by scoring 2pts to claim their only Ulster Senior Football Championship title in 28 years, beating Derry in Clones. His older brother Peter Reilly also played in the Final.-International... |
2 | 2000 |
External links
- Cavan on Hoganstand.com
- National and provincial titles won by Cavan teams
- Club championship winners
- Cavan GAA site
| Cavan GAA | ||
|---|---|---|
| Affiliated Clubs | ||
| Senior Football Championship | ||
Ballinagh - Belturbet - Castlerahan - Cavan Gaels - Crosserlough - Cúchulainn's - Denn - Gowna - Killygarry Killygarry GAA Killygarry are a Gaelic football club from County Cavan in Ireland. They are affiliated to Cavan GAA.-History:* Founded in 1966.* Young football enthusiasts from the area, who were playing with local teams like Lavey, Drumalee, Cavan Gaels, Laragh and Ballinagh, held a meeting in Killygarry... - Kingscourt - Knockbride - Lacken Celtic - Mullahoran - Ramor United |
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| Intermediate Football Championship | ||
Bailieborough - Ballyhaise - Ballymachugh - Cootehill - Drumalee - Drumgoon - Drumlane - Kill - Killeshandra - Killinkere - Laragh United - Lavey - Red Hills - Swanlinbar |
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| Junior Football Championship | ||
Arvagh - Butlersbridge - Corlough - Cornafean Cornafean GAA Cornafean is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in the rural parishes of Killeshandra and Kilmore, in County Cavan, Ireland. The club plays Gaelic Football and competes in Cavan GAA competitions. Cornafean is the most successful club in Cavan, having won 20 Cavan Senior Football... - Drung - Kildallon - Maghera - Mountnugent - Munterconnaught - Shannon Gaels - Shercock - Templeport |
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| Senior Hurling Championship | ||
Ballymachugh - Cavan Gaels - Mullahoran - Cootehill Celtic GFC |
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