A DRINK IN LAST CHANCE SALOON

Seanie’s running out of time

SEANIE JOHNSTON’S career hasn’t delivered the success his talent probably deserved, but the prospect of winning an Ulster title before he retires is still driving him on.

The 32-year-old made his debut in 2003 (below) but in that time Cavan have never even made the final, let alone win the Anglo Celt.

And if it doesn’t happen in the next few years, Johnston admits it will be a huge regret.

“I think it is the driving force for me,” he revealed.

“Definitely it’s one I’ve been trying for for a long time and have not got there yet, but every year brings another opportunity.”

Cavan start another Ulster campaign against Monaghan in Sunday’s final quarter-final clash at Kingspan Breffni Park.

Johnston will soak up every moment, because after his much-publicised transfer to Kildare in 2012, it looked like his Cavan career was finished.

But the last 18 months have proved to be a second coming, having been brought back in from the cold last year by then boss Terry Hyland.

“I was out for three years and it was looking unlikely that I would be back,” he admits. “It was a difficult time and there is no point saying otherwise but I think is important for me to look forward rather than back.

“I came back in last year and helped in the promotion push, and then to get the opportunity to play in Division One this season was great.

“The years slip by very quickly so it is important to make the most of every one.

“As you get older you tend to appreciate it more whereas when you are younger you think it’s going to go on forever.”

Johnston had an ankle issue during the League but feels “really good” after a 10-week break since their last game against Roscommon, which saw them relegated from the top flight.

Having won four Ulster U21 titles in-a-row between 2011 and 2014, Cavan fans hoped it would have led to senior success before now.

“You are judged on winning at the end of the day and we have not brought that success forward from U21 to senior, and that’s the gap that we’re trying to bridge,” says Johnston. “It is not an easy gap to bridge, it is a very different level.”

Sunday’s opponents Monaghan are one of the province’s big three, with Tyrone and Donegal, and are bidding for a third Ulster title in five years.

“Until you win something you are not going to be included in that group,” said Johnston.

“Do we think the gap is that huge? No, we don’t but it is up to us to prove that on the field.

“They are three super teams and the reality is that they have pulled away in the last number of years.

“It’s 2001 since Cavan were in an Ulster final so it is about time, especially for a county that has a good tradition, and whose supporters are expecting the team to do well.

“We have to give them a lift next Sunday. We have to make

them proud.”

SHAKING OFF BLUES Johnston and Cavan were relegated in League and, above, playing for Kildare against native county