Armagh ended any Cavan hopes of promotion with a crushing victory in the Athletic Grounds.
Armagh sealed a place in Allianz league division one for 2025 winning out 2-21 to 11 points, meaning Cavan will play division two football next year.
The hosts shot out of the traps, leading five points to two after 13 minutes. Kieran McGeaney’s side operating a high press early on which Cavan struggled to deal with.
Cavan opened the scoring through Ryan O’Neill in the first-half. Ben Greally and two Rory Grugan points had Armagh three points to one ahead. Tiarnan Madden responding for Cavan.
Greg McCabe and a third Grugan point had the hosts five to two ahead on 13 minutes. Paddy Lynch converted a 45’ two minutes, yet it would be 16 minutes before another Cavan score.
McCabe, Grugan, Damien Turbett (0-2) and Andrew Murnin sent over points without reply to move the hosts 0-10 to 0-4 ahead.
Peter McGrane worked his way through the Cavan defence on 27 minutes to slot the ball home into the net. Armagh moving 1-10 to 0-4 ahead.
Paddy Lynch converted a free on 31 minutes, but Cavan didn’t improve. Grugan and Stefan Campbell sent over points in response.
Game over as a contest before half-time
The game was over as a contest on the stroke of half-time. Cavan giving away a penalty and Cillian Brady receiving a black card.
Damien Turbett converted the ball to the net as the half-time whistle went Armagh leading by 14 points. 2-12 to 0-4.
Things got worse for the breffni men, eight minutes into the second-half Cian Reilly received a black card just before Brady returned.
Turbett found the first score of the half after 12 minutes. Oisin Brady responded but it didn’t stop the hosts.
Oisin Conaty (0-2), Turbitt and Rian O’Neill moved Armagh 19 points clear with 14 minutes remaining. Cavan did land four points in a row through two Ryan O’Neill points from play either side two Paddy Lynch frees.
The sides exchanged points, but the contest was long over when the final whistle blew Armagh winning out 2-21 to 12 points.
Armagh are guaranteed promotion and a place in the division two final with a game remaining.
Cavan host Fermanagh next Saturday evening. A win may be enough to ensure a place in the All-Ireland championship ahead of Cork.
