Martin Dunne was the inspiration for as he drove them on to victory over Wicklow at Aughrim yesterday. The forward drilled over eight smashing points, three from frees.

Against the wind Wicklow made a bright start , with Seánie Furlong scoring twice, but from there on the Breffni men got a greater grip on the game with Gearoid McKiernan dominating at midfield.

Cavan led by 0-8 to 0-4 at half time, but now Wicklow had the wind at their backs and after 62 minutes they narrowed the gap to two, 0-9 to 0-11, after substitute John McGrath and Nicky Mernagh tacked on points.

Wicklow were reduced to 14 men as corner-back Stephen Coen was sent off for a straight red card.

Dunne lifted Cavan yet again with a point and substitutes Declan McKiernan and Barry Reilly stretched the lead to five, 0-9 to 0-14 and the visitors were able to hang on .