Martin Clarke may feature for Queens against Tyrone this weekend

ST Mary’s manager Paddy Tally believes that the continued co-operation of county managers regarding player availability will ensure a much more competitive Dr McKenna Cup.

Like last year, most players have been allowed to opt for their university over their county, and that should ensure a stronger challenge from St Mary’s, Queen’s and Ulster University.

It means that Tally is likely to be able to include players such as Patrick McBride, Kevin McKernan, Jerome Johnston, Ryan Johnston and Conor Meyler for Sunday’s Section B match against Fermanagh at Brewster Park.

“It’s a great experience,” said Tally of the January competition.

“The good thing over the last couple of years is that they (the players) have sort of become accustomed to it.

“If they do aspire to move on to inter-county, they see this as a chance to show their respective county managers what they can do.

“It’s part and parcel of the university calendar now, which is great.

“For a couple of years there we had a wee bit of hassle getting players, but I think now last year was a good year.”