Thomas Galligan says Killian Clarke's return to the Cavan panel felt like fate as they clinched their first Ulster title in 23 years.
Twelve months after stepping away, Clarke was back playing a crucial role alongside Galligan as Cavan defeated Donegal to claim the Anglo-Celt Cup.
Clarke had fallen out of love with the game after nine years of service but the former captain rediscovered his passion while playing for his club Shercock and was welcomed back into the Cavan fold by manager Mikey Graham.
"He's one of the best footballers in Cavan so he always had something to offer to us," said Galligan.
"He wanted to go travelling but no travelling was allowed.
"As soon as he said he was on for coming back in, he put in the grind, put in the effort, and showed through the whole championship that he is one of Cavan’s best players."
The same can be said off Galligan, who reclaimed his place in the starting line-up after two appearances as a half-time substitute against Monaghan and Antrim.
He kicked three points in the comeback win against Down and left the field bruised and bloodied after the Ulster final, having excelled as a target man as Cavan’s direct style prevailed against the defending champions.
"I’ve been blessed to having great coaches from 14 or 15 in St Pat’s in Cavan," said Galligan.
"People have really shaped how I train and play to get the best out of me.
"It starts back then and just works up. It’s great to be able to do them proud. They put a lot of time and effort in."
It is a source of regret for Galligan and his Cavan team-mates that there were no supporters present for their provincial success, while the stands will remain empty for Sunday’s All-Ireland semi-final against Dublin at Croke Park.
But he says the absence of fans made them even more determined to succeed.
The magic moment for Cavan. The All-Ireland semi-finalists are the same as they were one hundred years ago in 1920. When hope and history rhyme... #RTEgaa pic.twitter.com/XqtXt1uvuf
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) November 22, 2020
"After we beat Monaghan it just lifted everyone," said Galligan. "There’s been lots of messages and you meet people in shops and they are just so proud of what we have done, how it has brightened their days.
"They can’t wait for Sunday because it is getting them through the week. It’s nice to hear that, because it kind of makes it all worthwhile.
"If they were there they'd give you that extra step, make you make that extra run or put in that tackle.
"You can’t belittle the amount of time and effort that the fans give to the GAA and to the team.
"Realistically, that’s why we’re playing as well, to try and do them proud. It’s a blow not having them at the games but we still go about our business."
