By Niall McCoy

ULSTER GAA officials remain confident that Dr McKenna Cup will make its return in January following its suspension in 2025, Gaelic Life understands.

While no time-frame has been placed on any confirmation, the provincial body recognise that last September’s Central Council motion was only to remove it from the calendar for one year and any further absence would require further approval from the GAA.

Leinster’s O’Byrne Cup, Munster’s McGrath Cup and the FBD League in Connacht were also postponed for January.

Cavan GAA had sought for the suspension to be overturned just a few weeks after it was confirmed, something the Gaelic Players Association expressed their “serious concern about”, but were unable to reverse the decision.

With no pre-season tournaments in January, counties instead embarked in a series of challenge games.

The 2026 season would mark the centenary of the awarding of the Dr McKenna Cup, another reason why Ulster GAA would be keen for the competition to proceed.