Published: Thursday, 22nd July, 2010 4:00pm

Mee uncertain on future after heavy Cavan defeat

by Editorial Department

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Fermanagh 1-11; Cavan 3-17

Fermanagh’s Sharon Little breaks from Cavan defender Siobhan Joran.

Fermanagh's chances of qualifying from their group vanished on Sunday afternoon, after they suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of old rivals Cavan. It was a much changed Fermanagh team that lined out in Brewster Park at the weekend compared to this time last year. Fourteen of the 2009 panel have either retired or been ruled out due to long term injury so it was always going to be difficult against a side as experienced as Cavan.

Fermanagh have one more game left to play this Sunday against Donegal. The outcome will have little bearing on the group standing for Fermanagh but they'll no doubt want to finish the competition with a win.

Fermanagh Manager, David Mee is still uncertain about his position after Fermanagh's failure to qualify out of their group: "I'll have to sit down with the County Board and with the players and see what they want me to do. If the girls have confidence in me I'd like to come back but I need to see if they feel there is any advantage in me coming back. If they feel I have nothing more to offer I'd rather walk away, simple as that. We'll sit down and see what they want me to do after the Donegal game" says Mee.

After Fermanagh's success in the All Ireland campaign last year Mee too, feels the disappointment but believes there is a problem, which needs addressed within the county: "It's hard to take having made it to the All Ireland final last year. The least we thought was that we'd get out of the group. But you can't expect to lose 14 experienced players and expect to replace them in a year. Our lack of strength in depth counted against us. It's hard to get new girls out, there doesn't seem to be any desire within Fermanagh to play for your county" he says.

With one more game left, Mee hopes the girls can lift themselves: "It will be tough to get the girls up for the game. We'll give it our best shot though because we'll want to finish with a good display. It's hard to believe though that it's not even the end of July and we're out of competitive football. But that's just the way it has panned out" reflects Mee.

Fermanagh did have a couple of early goal chances, Caroline Little's thunderous shot hit the crossbar before the rebound fell to Imelda McGovern. Her attempt at goal was saved by the Cavan keeper Karen Baxter and deflected wide for a 45. Fermanagh did get off the mark with a Caroline Little free after two minutes before Aisling Doonan responded for Cavan with two quick frees to give her side the lead.

With only six minutes played, Sharon Little was sin-binned for what was deemed to be a dangerous challenge. The loss of Little spurred Fermanagh on though and they hit three consecutive points. Two points from Caroline Little and one from Shauna Hamilton gave Fermanagh a 0-04 to 0-02 lead.

Doonan was on hand for Cavan to reduce the deficit to a single point as the Breffni ladies began to drive at the Fermanagh defence. Despite some good work by Marcella Connolly at full back, Cavan hit four unanswered points from the boot of Bronagh Sheridan. Then, with only five minutes left Sheridan bagged the first goal of the match with an unstoppable shot to leave the score 1-07 to 0-04.

Fermanagh responded with a point apiece from the Little sisters, Caroline and Sharon but Cavan were to the fore again with points from Brid Boylan and Renee Murphy. With the game now in injury time the Erne ladies reduced the deficit with two late points from Caroline Little and Shaun Hamilton to leave the half time score 0-08 to 1-09 in favour of Cavan.

From the throw-in Cavan were on the attack with a well taken point from Claire Murtagh. It was vital Fermanagh got the next score and that they did. A free from Sharon Little kept Fermanagh in the chase before the home side were awarded a penalty. Caroline Little was fouled in the penalty area and she took the resultant penalty kick, making no mistake as she buried the ball to the back of the net.

The Cavan lead was now down to a single point. However, Fermanagh couldn't close in any further on the Breffni ladies and instead Aisling Doonan extended the visitors lead with a point. Fermanagh continued to work hard and did have another goal chance. Shauna Hamilton's shot was deflected over the bar by the Cavan keeper and the chance went a begging.

Only minutes later Cavan got their second goal to kill the game off. A 45 metre kick from Bronagh Sheridan dipped awkwardly for Donna Gilroy in the Fermanagh nets and such was the spin on the ball it ended up in the back of the net. From this point onwards it was all about Cavan as they hit 1-06. Claragh Reilly getting the third goal of the afternoon with only six minutes remaining. Aisling Doonan added another four points to her tally.

Fermanagh could only muster another free from Sharon Little as the Cavan ladies sealed an all important victory. Best for Fermanagh were Marcella Connolly in her new role at full back, Catherine Murphy and Lynne McFrederick worked hard at midfield, as did Shauna Hamilton and Adele Gallagher in the half forward line. Caroline Little played a captain's role at full forward and great encouragement can be taken from the performances of Aisling Maguire and Cassie Cadden.