RAIN swept across Kingspan Breffni in misty sheets when Cavan took on Meath last Sunday.
The pitch was heavy and it was a day for the hardy bucks to slug it out, but as the big hits thundered in and the card count mounted, Martin Reilly produced one of those moments of magic that set him apart from the crowd.
In one fluent movement, he dragged the ball sideways with his left foot and slipped it past his marker with his right and Cavan broke away for another score in a five-point win that sent them to the top of Division Two.
Reilly – who made his Championship debut for Cavan back in 2007 – has played all over the field for his county and is always worth keeping an eye on.
As a youngster he was signed by Burnley and capped for the Republic at underage level before he returned home, closed the door on soccer and dedicated his sporting life to the GAA.
“Ohhhh, that’s a long time ago at this stage,” said the Killygarry clubman of a soccer career that included one first team appearance at Turf Moor and also a friendly against Manchester United during which he famously nutmegged Gary Neville.
“I haven’t played soccer since I came into the Cavan panel,” he added.
“I wouldn’t have time and you couldn’t do both, I played for Longford Town for a couple of months when I came back, but that was it.”
As he said, his focus has been on club and county since his return from England he has been virtually ever-present in the Cavan jersey. Last Sunday, Reilly wore the number five shirt and played his part as the Breffni Blues maintained their unbeaten start to Division Two.
“It’s great to get the win and it was a big two points for us that sets us up nicely for the Cork game which will be a very tough game,” he said.
“Meath were favourites coming into the game but we were confident we could get a win and we did the job and we’re delighted with it. We were confident and everyone stuck to their plan, did their job and did all the basics well. It was a slippery day with the wet ball but we got a result and it’s a huge two points for us.”
He admits that relegation from Division One last year was a tough pill to swallow for the side. It was McGleenan’s first season in charge but Reilly says the players and manager understand each other better after 12 months together.
“It was difficult being at the lower end of the table and it can be very tough,” said Reilly.
“But we have come on this year under Matt. He has got to know us a wee bit better and we’ve got to know him a wee bit better and what he expects from us.
“I think we have come on a good bit, we’re looking to improve every game and I think we’re doing that.”
So far Cavan have travelled to Clare and drawn and won home games against Louth and Meath. With two more home games to come, the Breffnimen have given themselves a chance of being in the promotion shake-up at the end of the year, but they face a difficult trip to Cork on Sunday.
“There’s a lot of football to be played yet,” said Reilly.
“They are always a very good team and going down there won’t be easy. It’ll be a good test for us and I’m looking forward to it.
“It’s very tight in this division and a couple of results either way – a few draws or a loss here and there – and things can change. We’re going at the right direction and we wants to keep pushing on and keep improving.
“We have a lot of good young lads coming through and you have to be on top of your game or the young lads will be looking to take your place. You need to do the job every day.”
