Johnston gilds the Lillies

One small step for Kildare, one giant leap for Seanie Johnston.

The former Cavan footballer finally made his long-awaited debut for Kieran McGeeney’s side on his old stomping ground yesterday, and a good thing he did, because it gave what was otherwise a non-event an air of drama and excitement.

The Leinster side made the trip north looking to atone for their puzzling performance and defeat to Meath in the provincial semi-final, but departed knowing little more about themselves, such was the paucity of Cavan’s challenge.