By Michael McMullan

REIGNING champions Newbridge will face Dungiven in the showpiece final game of the weekend when the Derry SFC begins next month.

It will be ran on a backdoor format, listed below, similar to how it was organised before the groups’ structure in recent seasons.

Glen and Lavey will face Banagher and Drumsurn respectively who plied their trade in Division Two this season.

The draw threw up the old rivalry of Bellaghy and Ballinderry with Ballinascreen taking on 2019 champions Magherafelt.

Sleacht Néill were last winners in 2020 and they’ve been drawn to face Kilrea.

Round 1

Wednesday, August 13 (Venue and time TBC)
Lavey v Drumsurn

Saturday, August 16 (Owenbeg)
Swatragh v Loup 1pm
Steelstown v Faughanvale 2.45pm
Sleacht Néill v Kilrea 5.30pm
Magherafelt v Ballinascreen 7.15pm

Sunday, August 17 (Owenbeg)
Banagher v Glen 1pm
Ballinderry v Bellaghy 2.45pm
Newbridge v Dungiven 4.30pm

Round 2A – August 30/31 (4 games)
Round 1 winners v Round 1 winners

Round 2B – August 30/31 (4 games)
Round 1 losers v Round 1 losers

Round 3- September 13/14 (4 games)
Round 2A losers v Round 2B winners

Quarter-finals – September 27/28
Four winners from Round 2A advance to the quarter-finals
They will be joined by the four winners from Round 3

Semi-finals – October 11/12

Final – October 19

The losers from Round 2B will then play-off in relegation semi-finals and final, with the loser from the final relegated to intermediate for 2026.

Monday’s review podcast, looking back at Sunday’s All-Ireland final.