As Derry and Cavan prepare for Sunday's Electric Ireland Ulster Minor Football final showdown, we talk to former Derry and Cavan players Paddy Bradley and Seanie Johnston about the skill and talent of the minor players and what a major occasion it will be for them ...
How will both teams be preparing for this Sunday?
Seanie Johnston – “Sunday offers the chance for Cavan to end the brief absence in silverware over the last 12 months following 5 or 6 years of continuous underage success for the county.
“After upsetting the odds against Monaghan in the first round and coming from behind to beat Down in the semi-final the atmosphere around this team is incredibly exciting.
“For the lads, it’ll be about bringing that excitement to bear on Sunday and continuing to upset the odds against a much-fancied Derry team”
Paddy Bradley – “This is Derry’s third minor final in a row and many of the same players will have been involved in last year’s defeat.
“For them it’ll be about taking that hurt and using it to go one step further and become Ulster champions.
“While it’s important not to over-hype their defeat last year, many of the lads have that experience of last year and I expect there will be a calmness in their approach that should leave them confident ahead of the game.”
What advice can you give the Minors preparing for the Ulster Minor final?
PB – “For Derry simplicity is key. Lads spend the whole year doing the simple things in preparation then, when they reach a final some can lose focus worrying about their boots or hair.
“They should only be focused on their performance. My advice is to get an early touch of the ball, give it simply and ease your way into the game, let your confidence grow and you’ll remember the occasion for the rest of your life.”
SJ – “My advice for the players is to enjoy it!
“Some of them may never make it to this stage again and so, without getting overwhelmed, soak up the atmosphere and revel in the build-up towards the game.
“In time, many of these players will contribute to the Cavan senior ranks and although it may be too late for my tired old legs I can assure them that all these major moments and all their sacrifice will be worth it at the end.”
Both Derry and Cavan have already had players short-listed for the Electric Ireland GAA Minor Star Awards based on performances so far in the Championship. Who do you expect to shine during Sunday’s Ulster final?
PB - “Ben McCarron was rightly nominated after a brilliant display against Antrim, however, there are numerous stars on the Derry team.
“I expect to see the likes of Connor McCluskey, who has impressed me ever since I first watched him in the McRory final this year, to really standout come Sunday.
“Pádraig McGrogan is another fantastic young player, although as his club manager I wouldn’t mind getting a few minutes out of him before the year is out!
“Other players to keep an eye out for include Oisin McWilliams and College All-Star Patrick Quigg who have been putting in great performances throughout this year’s championship and are both likely to prove a real handful this Sunday.”
SJ – “Cavan players Cian Madden and James Smyth have both been shortlisted for the Electric Ireland GAA Minor Star Awards and rightly so.
“James has been exceptional so far, scoring two goals against Monaghan in the first round and winning no less than eight marks in the semi-final against Down.
“Cian also has offered up link play that has been a joy to watch and seems able to pass and score at will.
“Captain, Paddy Meade at full-back has also been superb and I expect the Kingscourt man to continue that form into the final alongside the likes of Oisin Pearson in the forward line who kicked four points against Down and has been scoring for fun all year.”
Paths to the Final
Electric Ireland GAA Ulster Minor Football Championship
Saturday May 20
Ulster MFC preliminary round: Clones
Monaghan 1-17 Fermanagh 2-7
Sunday May 21
Ulster MFC quarter-final: Ballybofey
Antrim 0-21 Donegal 2-14 AET
Sunday May 28
Ulster MFC quarter-final: Celtic Park
Derry 0-18 Tyrone 1-14
Ulster MFC quarter-final: Kingspan Breffni Park
Cavan 3-14 Monaghan 1-15
Sunday June 4
Ulster MFC quarter-final: Pairc Esler
Down 2-13 Armagh 2-11
Sunday June 18
Ulster MFC semi-final: Clones
Derry 3-17 Antrim 0-9
Saturday June 24
Ulster MFC semi-final: Athletic Grounds
Cavan 0-15 Down 2-7