By Michael McMullan

DONEGAL and Ulster minor champions Four Masters will put their Ulster title on the line against Scotstown after Saturday’s draw.

After losing two years ago to Dungiven in the final, they bounced back to go one better last season.

Along the way they saw off Magherafelt with a spirited comeback and the Derry champions are back again this season.

The competition will begin with a preliminary round between Mayobridge and Kingscourt.

The final will again be held on New Year’s Day and is now firmly cemented on the GAA calendar.

A change this season will see the competition back to the u-18 grade after a spell at u-17 level.

“It is great to launch another year of the fonaCAB Ulster Minor Football Tournament, supported by Belfast City Council,” said tournament organiser Conor McCartan.

“The tournament has gone from strength to strength over the past decade and that is a testament to the prestige of the tournament to minor footballers all over the province.

“We are delighted to have some clubs returning from last year, including St Molaise, Magherafelt and the reigning champions Four Masters from Donegal.

“The draw has thrown up some mouthwatering ties, particularly St Brigid’s v Magherafelt and Four Masters v Scotstown and we can’t wait to get started. Fixture details will be confirmed next week.”

St Paul’s Chairperson Caroline McLaughlin praised Ulster Schools and Ulster GAA for their support.

“fonaCAB is delighted to be involved with the fantastic Ulster Minor Football Tournament and wish CLG Naomh Pól and all participating clubs the best of luck throughout the Christmas and New Year period,” added William McCausland of competition sponsors fonaCAB.

Draw in full

Preliminary Round – Sun, Nov 24 Coláiste Feirste 1pm 
Mayobridge v Kingscourt

Quarter-finals 
1 – St Brigid’s v Magherafelt Sat, Nov 23 Coláiste Feirste 5pm 
2 – Irvinestown v Clann Éireann Sun, Dec, 1 Coláiste Feirste 1pm 
3 – Scotstown v Four Masters Sun, Dec 8  – St Paul’s 1pm
4 – Cookstown v Mayobridge/Kingsgcourt Sun, Dec 15  – St Paul’s 1pm

Semi-finals
1 v 2 – Sunday, December 22 – St Paul’s 1pm
3 v 4 –  Thursday, December 26 – St Paul’s 1pm

Final – Wednesday, January 1, 2025 – St Paul’s 1pm