A gutsy Sligo Tailteann Cup semi-final performance fell just short on Sunday as Cavan booked their place in next month’s inaugural decider, on a final scoreline of 0-20 to 1-14 at Croke Park on Sunday.
The Breffni County led by 0-11 to 1-3 at half-time with the Ulstermen having 11 different scorers during that first half.
Paddy O’Connor’s first-half penalty kept Sligo just about in touch on the scoreboard but Cavan’s greater accuracy in front of goal was one of the key differences between the teams in the opening 35 minutes.
Sligo brought on Niall Murphy at half-time for Pat Hughes, who later announced intercounty retirement after a 12-year career with Sligo.
Murphy scored four impressive points in the second half as they took the fight to Cavan and were just one point behind on two different occasions in this game.
However, they were unable to draw level – and were guilty of squandering a number of guilt-edged goal chances.
Nonetheless, Tony McEntee’s side pushed their opponents all the way – but Cavan held on to win by three and keep their hopes of a league and Tailteann Cup double alive.
Tailteann Cup semi-final result
Cavan 0-20 Sligo 1-14
Westmeath 3-22 Offaly 2-16
