Cavan Gaels' hat-trick hero Paul O'Connor says the Cavan champions face a "massive week" ahead of their Ulster club SFC final against holders Slaughtneil.

O'Connor's three goals helped steer the Terry Coyle Park club past Derrygonnelly of Fermanagh in last Sunday's thrilling semi-final replay in Clones, where Barry Fortune's late major proved the ultimate difference in the end.

Now O'Connor - a cousin of Mayo stars Cillian and Diarmuid - says the Gaels must get their preparations right as they bid to upset 4/1 odds against last year's beaten All-Ireland finalists and become the first club to bring the Seamus McFerran Cup back to the Breffni County.

"I have to give massive credit to Derrygonnelly, they're a fantastic outfit, they've really shown that over the last two games and they'll be back better than ever," he told The Anglo-Celt.

"Slaughtneil are a fantastic outfit too, they've proved that over the last few years. They're Ulster champions, they're not going to want to give that up easily and they've shown the great side they are getting to the All-Ireland final last year.

"They've had a nice two-week break, we're sore after the last two weeks. But it's massive week for us now just to try and recover and give it the best shot we can.

"Nobody is giving us a hope, as I said it's been a tough two weeks so hopefully we can get the bodies right and give Slaughtneil a good test and give it our best shot. It's a long time since a Cavan team has been in an Ulster final at senior level so it's brilliant to be there."

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