Rory Beggan returns from NFL pursuit to feature on Monaghan bench for Ulster Championship match against Cavan

Rory Beggan, the talented Gaelic footballer who has been trying to secure an NFL contract in recent months, is set to make his return to the Monaghan squad for their Ulster Championship preliminary round match against Cavan this Sunday.

Beggan, who has been training as a kicker in America, has been named on the Monaghan bench for the crucial clash after returning home. His availability for the game was uncertain, with Monaghan boss Vinny Corey admitting last week that Beggan’s participation was “very much up in the air” as he pursued his American football dream.

However, having trained with the team upon his return, Beggan could potentially feature in Sunday’s game. The Scotstown club-man has been a key figure in the Monaghan goal since making his inter-county debut in 2011, winning two Ulster Championships and an All-Star award in 2018.

In Beggan’s absence, Clontibret’s Darren McDonnell, who played in all seven of Monaghan’s Division One matches this year, is set to start against Cavan. The Monaghan team also includes star players like Conor McManus and Conor McCarthy, while Cavan will be without key players Killian Clarke and Dara McVeety.

With both teams looking to make a strong start to their championship campaign, all eyes will be on St Tiernach’s Park in Clones this Sunday as Monaghan and Cavan go head-to-head in what promises to be an exciting and closely contested match. Fans can catch all the action live on BBC Two NI and BBC iPlayer, as well as on the BBC Sport website for in-game clips, reports, and highlights.