Roscommon manager John Evans was was full of pride over his side’s victory over Cavan in their All-Ireland football qualifier as the Rossies put aside the disappointment of their surprise Connacht semi-final defeat to Sligo a fortnight ago.
Roscommon ran out 3-17 to 1-16 winners over Cavan at Kingspan Breffni Park, who were reduced to 14-men for the second half following a red card for Tomas Corr.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport afterwards, Evans was emotional as he said Sligo defeat was laid to rest.
“It’s absolutely wonderful. After a hard two weeks, it’s been the toughest two weeks you’d have seen but the loyalty the players have shown, the absolute determination has been fantastic.
“We met the following morning at eight o’clock after the Sligo game and to a man everybody was there. That shows the commitment and the attitude and the commitment these boys have.
“We’ve really knuckled down to it in the last weeks and they want to play football.”
Cavan’s Martin Reilly and Roscommon’s Cathal Cregg both struck early goals, but points from Ultan Harney and Donie Shine helped the Rossies to a 1-07 to 1-06 interval lead.
"You could say we lost our spine but I’ll tell you there’s a backbone in these fellas” - John Evans
After the dismissal of Corr, Enda Smith netted a second Roscommon goal before Smith’s second goal sealed it for Evans’s side in stoppage time.
“To go out there today and Cavan may say they lost a man but we lost our full-back, centre-back , midfielder, centre-forward and full-forward right down through the centre [to injury over the season] – you could say we lost our spine but I’ll tell you there’s a backbone in these fellas,” said Evans.
Despite going a goal down within the first minute Roscommon were in front 1-03 to 1-02 by the fourth minute, and Evans praised his side’s rapid response.
“It didn’t rock us. We didn’t flinch left or right we just said hey that’s it we’ll just get right on with it.”
That’s certainly what Evans’ charges did and now the Rossies can look forward to Monday’s draw live on RTÉ Radio’s Morning Ireland with their name in the hat for the third round qualifiers.
