And then there was One...

Most football commentators appear to be of the firm opinion that there is no point in playing this year's Ulster Final. In other words, when the silverware is handed out in Clones on 19th July, it'll be into the hands of Tyrone's captain. There's no doubting that in my mind also, but it figures then that tomorrow's Ulster semi-final between Antrim and Cavan is also meaningless.

So, instead of playing an Ulster semi-final tomorrow evening it should be played as some sort of "qualifier qualifier" (if you get my meaning), with the winner going into Round 4 and the loser joining Derry in Round 2. And just forget about the Ulster Final. That would save a lot of time and energy, but the winners still get their rightful reward.

Both sides will obviously point to the fact that they'll be all the better for playing in an Ulster Final, and it will be a great occasion etc. but believe me guys... it won't be great at all. It will be an awful experience.

Just for the record, I think that Cavan should have just about enough for Antrim in tomorrow's game. All round, they are a better balanced side with greater individual talent. They are also a more experienced team; with Antrim (to my knowledge) not having featured at the newly (early 1990s) renovated Clones in a Senior Championship tie. Antrim have players who have won Sigerson and Ulster Club titles, but this is a different level and I wonder how hard it will be for them to repeat their heroics from Ballybofey.

Cavan's edge in the forward line might just prove the telling difference, and with it give the Breffni-men the privilege of getting their backsides handed to them by the Red Hands in July.