Seanie Johnston’s second coming at Cavan goes to plan

Seanie Johnston has expressed delight at his second coming with Cavan.

The former captain, 31, fired six points on his first start for his county since 2011 as the Breffni County came from eight down to beat Meath by seven in a remarkable Division 2 tie.

Johnston famously played for Kildare for two seasons after being axed by Cavan though didn’t feature at all at inter-county level in 2014 and 2015. He reckons he’s still only “scratching the surface” of his ability after the long layoff, as well as an ankle injury.

But his man-of-the-match performance against Meath shows he’s lost none of his predatory instincts, and his team-mates have responded warmly to him.

Johnston famously played and scored against Cavan while with Kildare in the 2012 championship but shook his head when asked if there’s any lingering resentment.

“No, I have to say, all they want to do, their full focus, is on playing well for Cavan and getting results for Cavan and that’s what I’m focused on,” said Johnston.

“If we can continue to work hard, then the results will come for us.”

Johnston agreed that it does feel like a second coming with his county.

“Yeah, it’s a little like that, sure all I can do is keep the head down and try as hard as I can and try to contribute to the lads on the field and that’s what I’m doing, just keeping the head down and working hard,” he added.

The Cavan Gaels man impressed Terry Hyland with his club form and was asked back into the county fold in December. He admitted though he thought his county days may be over.

“Yeah, well I was a year or two out,” said Johnston. “At my age, you’re starting to wonder will you get back? I was just delighted to be asked back and to be able to contribute on the field of play against Meath.

It was just about getting the win and getting the two points on the board because with Armagh also winning, everyone has points on the board so it’s important for us to stay in the hunt.”

Johnston didn’t start against either Derry or Tyrone in Division 2 but with Meath’s orthodox defence more likely to offer up room to attackers, Johnston was thrown the number 15 jersey.

He paid Hyland back with a strong display which yielded six points, including the 39th minute score that prompted Cavan’s stunning revival.

Johnston also had two good goal chances, hitting the bar with one in the first half, and he went close with four other point attempts as he consistently offered himself up as a scoring outlet.

“I had an ankle injury the last while so I’ve been doing a good bit of rehab on that and it feels right, thank God,” said Johnston.

“I’m scratching the surface, I’m probably still only around 65-70% of where I want to be but I’m improving week on week, and the ankle feels a lot stronger. I’m just delighted to be back and to be able to contribute.

“There’s a great group of lads there and they’re working very hard and they put a lot of chances on a plate for me against Meath. That’s my job, to knock them over.”