For those who are inclined to believe the whole GAA thing is only a racket, well point in them in the direction of Armagh men this week who have played something in the region of 200 minutes this summer and still haven’t made it into the Ulster final after a draw including extra-time here.

Veteran Cian Mackey emerged as Cavan’s hero as he hit two priceless equalisers to send a thrilling Ulster SFC semi-final to a replay.

Newcomers and championship debutants aside, Cavan have waited a long time to give #futureisblue a runout at senior level.

Cavan 3-13 Roscommon 0-13 Cavan broke their losing streak to give themselves a fighting chance of retaining their top flight league status for 2020.

Late in the first-half at Kingspan Breffni, Sean O’Shea seized possession for Kerry near the halfway line, spun away from his man and instinctively kicked the ball up the right wing.

Mickey Graham’s busy end to 2018 finished with a win in his first day at the office as Cavan manager, Conor Madden’s point deep into injury-time snatching a 0-13 to 1-9 McKenna Cup victory over Down.

A stunning second-half display from Corofin earned the reigning All-Ireland club champions a third provincial championship title in a row this afternoon.

Galway’s footballing purists lamented the state of the game after this replayed county final at Pearse Stadium, but with their 20th title secured Corofin couldn’t care less about entertainment value.

Yesterday was a day for hurling referees to step up to the mark and both James McGrath and Fergal Horgan did just that, in Semple Stadium and Croke Park.

Cavan 1-14 Down 0-15

Cavan led throughout, as they delivered a strong performance, coasting to a 14-point qualifier win over Wicklow at Aughrim.

On their previous visit to Croke Park, the Roscommon footballers conceded four goals during a 22-point humiliation.

CAVAN 0-17 TIPPERARY 2-10: Super-sub Conor Madden’s 75th-minute winner broke Tipp hearts and sent spirited Cavan back into the league’s top flight.

Roscommon 0-15 - Cavan 0-13: Kevin McStay hailed his side’s never-say-die attitude as a late rally, inspired by Ciaráin Murtagh, yielded a precious win against previously unbeaten Cavan.

The contribution of Corofin’s younger brigade has been central to their Croke Park return, according to manager Kevin O’Brien.

Cavan maintained their grip on top spot in Division 2 of the Allianz Football League with a deserved three-point win away to Cork, writes Stephen Barry.

Cavan are sitting pretty on the summit of Division Two of the Allianz Football League thanks to a jet-propelled first-half display at Kingspan Breffni yesterday..

Monaghan 0-7 Cavan 0-7

Cavan 1-10 Derry 1-17: Damian Barton’s promise to get Derry taking a more attacking approach looks to be bearing some early season fruit - his newlook side producing the goods in the Athletic Grounds yesterday to reach the McKenna Cup final.

One of the biggest classes of Irish history has started and Trinity College Dublin hopes to match the 17,000 who signed up for its free online programme first time round.

Cormac Costello pointed from a late free to snatch victory for Dublin in this dogged Cadbury’s All-Ireland U21FC semi-final at O’Moore Park.

As Mayo manager James Horan anticipated, Joe McQuillan has been appointed to referee Sunday week’s All-Ireland football final.

A history festival featuring singers and actors? Why not, says Jonathan deBurca Butler

CAVAN referee Joe McQuillan will take charge of his first All-Ireland final when Kerry and Dublin duel on September 18.

The GAA has confirmed the referees and match officials for the 2011 All-Ireland Senior and Minor Football Championship finals on September 18, with Joe McQuillan taking charge of his first SFC decider.