Declan Bogue: Cavan's decade long journey from party boys to Ulster football powerhouse

Back in 2009, Cavan players were running around Punchestown watching Blur and Snow Patrol the night before a game. What would Mick Higgins or Hughie Reilly make of it all?

Cavan players celebrate beating Donegal. Picture: INPHO/Morgan Treacy

As is the way of embarrassing episodes, they have a habit of coming out in the wash. People just can’t help themselves.

It was in late July 2009. Cavan Public Relations Officer Mark Gillick was conducting an interview with Northern Sound radio station and he dropped the bomb. A number of Cavan players had actually been at the Oxegen music festival the night before a qualifier game against Wicklow – one they lost 1-12 to 0-8.