McKenna Cup semi-final previews

Monaghan v Tyrone (Wednesday, Inniskeen, 7.30pm)

TYRONE are at the top of the McKenna Cup roll of honour with 17 titles and Monaghan are just behind them with 15. For one of these counties, their participation in this year’s competition will come to an end on Wednesday evening.

Gabriel Bannigan’s men have home advantage at Inniskeen, so it’s advantage Monaghan. Of the two counties, Monaghan have also won the competition more recently, capturing the title in 2022.

Micheál Bannigan was extremely impressive in their 1-17 to 3-8 victory over Fermanagh on Sunday, kicking 0-8 off the bench, including three two-pointers. Stephen O’Hanlon, Dessie Ward and Andrew Woods all scored when introduced as well.

David Garland was the star of the show in round one when Monaghan downed their old foes Cavan and the Donaghmoyne man kicked 0-4, all from play.

Tyrone have discovered their own sharpshooter in the mould of Ethan Jordan, who knocked over 0-7 in their second round win over Down. Unfortunately for the Red Hands, their preseason has been dominated by missing men.

Darragh Canavan is still sidelined. Peter Harte looks to have retired. Ruairi Canavan and Niall Devlin both limped off in the first half of their win over Down. That’s the last thing Malachy O’Rourke, former Monaghan boss, needs ahead of the National League.

A host of players could also be unavailable in both camps this week due to Sigerson Cup commitments, which makes predictions a fools game. One teams stay will come to an end on Wednesday, while the other will hope to add to their title tally.

Derry v Donegal (Wednesday, Celtic Park, 7.30pm)

Weather conditions hindered a first round clash that had initially been pencilled in between these two, but they’ll finally get the chance to lock horns on Celtic Park, with a spot in the McKenna Cup final up for grabs.

Derry are the current holders of the trophy, having downed Donegal in the 2024 final at a drenched Healy, Park Omagh. That was during Jim McGuinness’ first season on his return, but he got the last laugh that year.

Donegal ambushed Derry in Celtic Park come the championship and earned a ten-point win over the same opposition in the Ulster preliminary round last year as Donegal cemented their hold over the Oak Leaf County.

Mickey Harte and Paddy Tally have both been and gone since then. Now it’s Ciaran Meenagh’s turn to dictate the fortunes of Derry’s future. The McKenna Cup won’t be high up on his list of priorities, but beating Donegal might.

Both sides saw off Antrim without much fuss and newbie Shea Malone top scored for the Tir Chonaill men on Sunday with 0-4 while Eoin McGeehin nailed the games only goal in their 1-15 to 0-7 victory.

Paul Cassidy (who finished with 1-2) and substitute Ruairi Ó Mianáin both raised green flags for Meenagh’s men in their 2-16 to 0-7 win over the Saffron County.