A delighted Fermanagh team boss Joe Baldwin hailed the sheer courage and character of his charges as they came back from 11 points down to deservedly draw with a star-studded Cavan side.

For the Breffnin men led by 3-14 to 2-07 by the 49th minute and it looked like guest players like Dillon Mulligan, Cillian Sheanon and Liam O’Brien just had that extra edge in power and panache.

But, although pretty much outgunned for much of the match by a physically stronger Cavan side the Ernesiders somehow found the strength and resolve to fashion one of the finest comebacks in Brewster Park in many a year.

“Cavan came into this game as favourites as we were missing Danny Teague, Dylan Bannon and Luca McCusker who are three big players for us.

“They are a massive loss with their experience and ability and all three have won Lory Meagher Cup titles at this level.

“We will have Dylan back next week and Luca who caused a bit of panic when he won a ball late on.

“We could have won it and it is not a defeat which is very important.

“Cavan were at full strength today but we were not and that is encouraging.”

“But what an effort our entire squad made to come back from 11 points down and we even could have won it at the end.

“I am absolutely delighted with the character the boys showed here today and it was not a point dropped but a point picked up and you can probably afford to have one defeat in this competition.

“But you can’t afford two defeats.”

Baldwin acknowledged that Cavan took the initiative from the second quarter on and had the momentum and admitted that he was “worried” when they went so far in front.

“Yes, I was, as they are a very good side and the new players that they have brought in are very good as well and they moved well.

“But what you got from us was something that you can’t buy; guts and determination and John Duffy actually said it in the changing room at half-time in that we were not going to lose this game today and as a manager or coach, that is priceless.

“I am just so pleased with their attitude as they never gave in.”

But he was a bit concerned about the injuries to Duffy and Aidan Flanagan and the amount of frees conceded to Cavan.

“We will assess the injuries during the week, and it is of concern that we are giving away so many frees.”

“John Duffy shipped some heavy tackles, and we are working on our discipline, so we were a little bit disappointed, and I thought that Kevin Brady refereed the game very well today.

“We nearly nicked it and we should have nicked it.

“We are concerned that we did not win enough ball on the ground and that is something we need to look at.

“But it was a super game of hurling and it was a good day and a good pitch and we are looking forward to Warwickshire.”