Face of Nation : In their most complete display of the summer, the Red Hands showed the ruthless edge both in and out of possession that took them to last year’s All Ireland final.
By contrast Cavan looked a pale shadow of the side that stylishly beat Monaghan and Armagh in Ulster.
Tyrone will meet Dublin, Roscommon and Cork in the Super 8s.
Although Tyrone were undoubtedly favourites, few would have anticipated their margin of victory against a Cavan side that won many fans for their exciting brand of football on their way to the Ulster Championship final.
The result was assured long before substitute Ben McDonnell’s 61st minute goal as Mickey Harte’s side booked their place in the last eight for the 15th time since 2000.
As was the case last year, Tyrone were forced to take the long route through the qualifiers after falling short in Ulster but have looked better with every passing game.
In Clones they appeared close to their suffocating best, swarming their opposition in defence before surging forward in numbers.
Goalkeeper Niall Morgan played the key role in asserting his side’s dominance early on, scoring two long-range frees in the opening 16 minutes while taking every opportunity to venture forward with the ball in hand, forcing his side to move up the pitch.
With Colm Cavanagh picking off Cavan’s would-be runners before they reached the full-back line, Tyrone’s forwards were given license to express themselves at the other end with space opening up.
Darren McCurry swung over a trio of well-taken points from play in three minutes as his side opened up a nine point half-time lead.
Their second half display appeared to be a pointed effort not to take their foot off the gas despite being well in control of the tie, with Cathal McShane continuing his fine season in another five-point display.
McDonnell added an extra gloss to the scoreline with his first involvement, beating Raymond Galligan to a high ball before turning and rolling the ball into the empty net.
Cavan’s comprehensive defeat in the Ulster Championship final was attributed more to the brilliance of Donegal as opposed to the shortcomings of the Breffnimen.
However alarm bells may now be ringing for Mickey Graham after his side produced a totally hapless 70 minute display in which they never looked capable of hurting Tyrone.
Donegal showed an effective way of stopping Cavan in their tracks was to have dangerman Dara McVeety tightly marked throughout the contest.
McVeety was unable to have any sort of impact on proceedings on Saturday with his solitary point coming in the 70th minute.
Cian Mackey, playing from the start having been used as an impact substitute so far this summer, cut a peripheral figure throughout while defensive leader Padraig Faulkner endured a tough day at the office with McShane coming out well on top in their physical battle.
