Cavan geared up for Croker

CAVAN’S Ulster title-winning hero Thomas Galligan has said that he and his team-mates fully expect Croke Park to be the venue for their All-Ireland semi-final against 10-in-a-row Leinster champions Dublin.

There has been increased speculation about a change of venue in recent days as critics of Dublin’s residency at GAA headquarters claim that the lack of crowds has removed the key argument against a move away from the capital.

Galligan believes such a move would doubtless increase Cavan’s chances of winning against a team chasing an All-Ireland six-in-a-row.

‘I just expected it to be in Croke Park because it’s an All-Ireland semi but it would probably help us if it was out of Croker. It’s not up to us, the GAA will make a call on that and we’ll play it wherever. At this stage, we’re meant to be a long bet so we’ll go out and give them a go,’ he said.

‘They’re well used to playing there but I think everyone loves to play and everyone wants to play in Croker. I don’t think anyone would be disappointed if we had to play it in Croker because growing up, that’s exactly where you want to play, against the best team in the country in Croker and if you make it there, you’ll make it anywhere.’

The manner in which Dublin ran riot against Meath in the Leinster final, inflicting a 21-point drubbing on a team relegated from Division 1, does not bode well for Cavan — but then they have already defied expectations by winning a first Ulster title since 1997.

‘It’s a little bit daunting but it’s also exciting. You’re playing the best team in the country. If you had said to people at the start of the year that Cavan were going to be in an All-Ireland semi-final, you would have got good odds. I think we’ll enjoy it more than be afraid of it.’