Cavan have overcome Monaghan in an exciting Ulster Championship quarter final this evening, securing their first win in the province since 2016.
It was a deserved victory for Mickey Graham's side, although they did make hard work of it at times. They were the better team for the vast majority of the game, but continued to allow Monaghan to remain within touching distance.
They would manage to secure a four point victory in the end, setting up a semi final date with either Down or Armagh.
Cavan played some excellent football at times, but it was Martin Reilly that caught the eye most often. He produced two stunning kick passes during the game, both of which led to scores.
The first came in the opening five minutes, delivering this perfectly weighted ball for Conor Madden, who would then be brought down for a penalty.
Cool finish from the penalty by Martin Reilly of @CavanCoBoardGaa pic.twitter.com/h7rbYnJDIG
— The GAA (@officialgaa) May 18, 2019
The second pass may have been even more eye-catching. Madden was once again the target, with Reilly picking out a stunning long range ball into the full forward line for him to tap over the bar.
Great vision from Martin Reilly to set up a point for Conor Madden pic.twitter.com/5ouqh6KPVz
— The GAA (@officialgaa) May 18, 2019
It is encouraging to see kicks such as this in the championship, considering the absence of the mark rule that was absent throughout the league. Perhaps this is the remnants of that rule, with players now used to delivering ball into the full forward line more often.
Either way, hopefully we will see plenty more of this throughout the summer.
