Cavan Hurt in Transfer Market

Irish Voice Sport

Cavan Hurt in Transfer Market

March 12, 2008

By Eugene Kyne

THE transfer season arrived last week with some notables moving to the promised land or to new divisions as they pursue the Holy Grail — county titles.

The number was on a par with the last three years, and the rule that directs all players to arrive at the meeting and sign the transfer form in front of two officers of the GAA — namely the registrar Joan Henchy and secretary Larry McCarthy — has certainly made it an efficient process.

There was, however, a couple of players that still had questions over their heads despite the rule as they had not played football at club level last season. Declan Reilly, who was hurt playing for New York vs. Sligo, is leaving Mayo for Dublin, but he did not play for Mayo and thus is a free agent. He is one of the premier pickups of the year, as he proved in 2006 with Donegal that he is a superb footballer. He should now be eligible for the draft also.

Martin O’Connor, the former All-Ireland minor winner with Derry, is also moving, but again he did not play last season and thus may be a free agent. This week’s meeting will resolve his status.

Cavan and Derry were the hardest hit on this transfer night, with Astoria Gaels, Donegal and Cork close seconds. Cavan lost four starters from the team that qualified for the semifinals last season, with Sean Lordon and Dennis McCarthy going to Cork.

Shane Russell follows Dan Doona as the lone Leitrim signing, but he will be a tremendous addition to the team that has been a runner-up in the finals of 2006 and ‘07. Russell is a midfield starter or a burst of skill off the bench when injuries dictate that is almost impossible to counteract against.

Derry says goodbye to Kevin Lilly, Niall McMahon, Chris Greene, who is still one of the premier keepers in New York, Darren Petit, the whole hearted midfielder, and the aforementioned O’Connor. It’s devastating news for the ‘05 Senior B champions.

At the junior level, Astoria loses the starting centerfield unit from the junior final of last season, with Derek McKenna and Georgie Doyle moving on. Former Meath players Sean Maher and Eddie Travers also departed, with Travers unable to attend due to the fact that he is in traction at the moment with a serious back injury.

What of 2008 then? Predictions of course will come in the coming weeks, as we have done at the Irish Voice for the past three years.

The week past certainly sets up St. Raymond’s as a premier challenger at the Junior A level, with Tyrone also adding two top class players in Martin Hughes and Greene.

Armagh found gold in Hunter, a wing back for New York on a couple of occasions, with McKenna also able to throw his talent about. He in fact got the goal for Astoria that eliminated the Orchard County last season at the semifinal stage.

The FDNY made significant steps with four new players, and they will be in t e top three at Junior B.

Cork will knock on the door for a Senior B title. The A title may be beyond their reach while the top four in New York — Leitrim, Four Provinces, Kerry and Cavan — may have a newcomer this year after the wheeling and dealing of the Breffni Boys.

Hurling had but two moves with Aidan Power moving to reigning champs Offaly, and Graham McGuire heading for the Tribesmen.

Full list as follows:

1. Derek McKenna, Astoria Gaels to Armagh

2. Conor Hunter, Donegal to Armagh.

3. Kevin McArdle, Donegal to Armagh.

4. Sean Lordon, Cavan to Cork.

5. Dennis McCarthy, Cavan to Cork.

6. Fergal Shannon, Cavan to Down.

7. Shane Russell, Cavan to Leitrim.

8. Tom Fennell, Rockland to FDNY.

9. Martin Hughes, Leitrim to Tyrone.

10. Aidan Power, NJ/Kilkenny to Offaly.

11. Donal Broderick, Cork to St Raymond’s.

12, Peter Kelly, Sligo to Tyrone.

13. Mark McAllister, Armagh to Cavan.

14. Tony McTigue, Clare to Roscommon.

15. Dean O’Connor, Sligo to St Raymond’s.

16. Chris Greene, Derry to Tyrone.

17. Graham McGuire, NJ/Kilkenny to Galway.

18. Gerry O’Riordan, Rockland to FDNY.

19. Dermot O’Sullivan, Donegal to FDNY.

20. Stephen O’Shea, Cork to St. Ray’s.

21. Declan Reilly, Mayo to Dublin.

22. Michael O’Gurtain, Cork to St Rays.

23. Eoin Crowley, Clare to Kerry.

24. Dean Doherty, Dublin to Kerry.

25. John Coughlin, Dublin to Offaly.

26. Gavin Butler, Dublin to Offaly.

27. John Donaghue, St. Ray’s to Rockland.

28. Darren Petit, Derry to St. Barnabas.

29. Kevin Lilly, Derry to Donegal.

30. Niall McMahon, Derry to Donegal.

31. martin O’Connor, Derry to Cavan.

32. Sean Maher, Astoria Gaels to Cavan.

33. Eddie Travers, Astoria to Cavan.

34. Georgie Doyle, Astoria Gaels to Dublin.

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