IT is not where they want to be, but Aishling Sheridan hopes Cavan can get the job done against Laois on Saturday and preserve their status as a senior championship side.
Two relegation qualifiers take place on Saturday – Waterford and Tipperary are also battling to save their place in the senior championship – with the winners of both these games staying up in senior, while the losers will play each other in a last-chance saloon relegation play-off.
“I don’t think any team wants to be in this position but it is what it is, so the focus now is to go out and perform and try get the win,” said Sheridan.
Cavan’s track record when it comes to fighting off relegation is pretty good. They have found themselves in this situation four times since 2018, each time managing to get the win they need and retain their senior status.
Last year they defeated Westmeath by 1-13 to 1-9 to stay up. The year before it was Tyrone, in 2019 it was Westmeath again and in 2018 it was Tipperary.
However, it leads to the question of just how much longer that ‘luck’ will continue especially as it seems to be getting more and more difficult for Gerry Moane’s side.
“I’d like to think we have a few more lives in us yet but it is difficult when we lost a lot of experience over the last two years that has helped get us across those lines.
“But, it’s also good to have fresh players who don’t have that experience who can go out and play with no fear and express themselves,” added Sheridan.
Cavan find themselves in this position after suffering defeats to Dublin and Kerry in the group stages of the All-Ireland competition, while Laois experienced losses to Armagh and Mayo.
The sides have already met this year in a Division Two league encounter, Laois, who went on to contest the league final, winning that one.
Sheridan knows the challenge that lies ahead but feels Cavan did not do themselves justice in the league and are good enough to win today.
“It’ll be a tough game against Laois no doubt. Looking back on our performance against them in the league, I don’t think we played well at all.
‘‘We missed quite a bit and unfortunately let them get a few early scores so hopefully we can turn up this weekend.
“I do believe we can get the job done. We’ve been through a tough year but I do think it makes you stronger in ways.
‘‘Looking on our first-half performance against Dublin and Kerry, I do think we showed what we are capable of. It’s just about getting that for a full game now.”
RELEGATION PLAY-OFFS
SATURDAY (2pm)
Laois v Cavan (Kiltoon)
Waterford v Tipperary (Piltown)
