With promotion back to the Division 1 secured, Cavan football has really found its voice again and Croke Park will no doubt be full of many blue and white flags when they take on Tyrone in the Allianz League Division 2 decider on Sunday next.
It is, perhaps, not surprising that Cavan have made this breakthrough following on from recent underage success, though many will argue that their day in the sun should have come a lot sooner.
A reliance on defensive tactics seemed to hinder their progress, with Joe Brolly referring to them as the "black death" of football.
However, this league campaign has seen Cavan adopt a more adventurous approach, borne out by a tally of 8-102 in their seven games, compared to 1-85 in the same span of games in 2015. Central to that scoring upturn has been Gearóid McKiernan, with his 1-24.
A man-of-the-match display against Galway also underlined his importance as the Breffni County booked their top-tier ticket.
Commenting on Cavan's evolvement this term, McKiernan told RTÉ Sport: "We were defensive, but we weren't the only team that were defensive. We weren't breaking at pace and we didn't have a good scoring ratio.
"We've sorted out that out this year, with us breaking faster out of defence and that has made a big difference."
That change in emphasis has taken a substantial buy-in from the players, with the Swanlinbar native adding: "It takes serious fitness levels and in fairness there's has been a serious training regime in place since the start of the year. Every player has bought into it and realises that communication with your team-mates is so important."
"The confidence in the squad at the moment means that players will try things on the pitch they may not have done before and that helps to create a more positive vibe which should stand to us."
After losing their opening two games narrowly to Tyrone and Derry, Cavan have embarked on a five-match unbeaten run - a sequence that began against Meath. That 1-20 to 1-13 win over the Royals was, according to McKiernan, the torch that lit their season.
"In our third game against Meath, we were seven down at half-time, but we kicked on from there. Whatever happened at half-time in that match, our whole season turned around at that stage."
Looking ahead to this weekend's final at GAA HQ, the Cavan number 11 is expecting a stern test from Mickey Harte's Red Hand outfit.
"Tyrone, I think, are a Division 1 team and were unlucky to be in Division 2 this year. They'll bring a serious intensity and are blessed with top-quality players. We know we'll have to be on our A-game if we are to have any chance at all."
As of now, McKiernan is enjoying his football and is proud to be representing a sleeping giant that has aspirations to dine even more at the top table.
"Growing up, the dream was to play for Cavan and any day you get to put that jersey on is a massive privilege. I was always enjoy playing for Cavan and this year has been extra special. Any time you get to play for Cavan is a great day."
