King goal sinks Derry
The game petered along with the teams much the same and indeed it looked like it might be heading for a replay when a free-in from Jack Brady found Paddy King — nephew of the legendary Stephen — on the edge of the square and he fisted home.
After this, Cavan were comfortable in winding down the clock, showing the experience that comes with being champions. Tyrone — the team they defeated in the decider last season — await them in the final.
CAVAN: C Gilsenan; J Morris, K Clarke, J McLoughlin (0-1); D Sexton, C Moynagh, M Brady (Capt.); P Leddy, K Brady; J Dillon [0-2], C Conroy, F Flanagan; R Lynch, K Tierney (1-5, 1f), J Brady.
Subs: P King (1-0) for K Brady (h-t); S Nolan for Morris (51m); E O’Reilly for Lynch (55m); S Cadden for Dillon (58m).
DERRY: K Farren; K McKeague, R Ferris, F Duffin; K Johnston, R Moore, K Conway; C Bradley, D Johnston; C Spiers, B Herron, E McKillion; B Quigg, A Devlin (0-3, 2f), E McGuckian (1-3, 1f, 1’45’).
Subs: E Bradley (0-3, 2f) for McKillion (22m); P McNeill for Quigg (51m); N Rocks for Duffin (51m); T Martin for C. Bradley (58m); F Bell for Spiers (58m).
Referee: E McConnell (Tyrone).