All to Play for in Final McKenna Cup Group Games

It’s all to play for heading into Round Three of the Dr McKenna Cup with the four semi final spots still up for decision across the province.

Tyrone, Cavan, Donegal, Derry, Armagh and Monaghan still fight for a spot in the last four while the three university sides alongside, Fermanagh, Down and Antrim have crashed out.

All Games Wednesday at 8pm

Section A

Donegal Vs Cavan – Pairc MacCumhaill

Both sides come into the contest with unbeaten records after disposing of QUB and Down. Currently, Declan Bonner’s men sit top of the table with a points difference of +20 in comparison to Cavan’s +15.

The winners of the tie will top Section A and face the Section B winners on Sunday while the losers are currently best placed to make the last four as runners-up.

Down Vs QUB – Pairc Esler

Neither side has picked up a win in this year’s competition heading into the last round of fixtures with pride and preparation for their respective competitions the focus.

Queen’s face Maynooth in the first round of the Sigerson in little over a week’s time while Paddy Tally’s side begin their Division Three campaign on January 26th at home to Westmeath.

Section B

Armagh Vs Monaghan – Athletic Grounds

Quite simply the winners will top the section and move onto the last four. The Orchard County have made short work of all comers in the early stages and currently sit top with four points and a positive 40 points difference.

Monaghan on the other hand have three points after drawing with St.Mary’s on Sunday meaning that they will need win to guarantee they will advance while Kieran McGeaney’s men look sure to make the last four even if they lose marginally.

Antrim Vs St.Mary’s – Woodlands 4G

As with last season’s meeting at the same stage, neither side has a chance of advancing but will instead prepare for the commencement of their competitive season.

Antrim open their league campaign on January 27th with an Ulster derby at home to Derry while the Ranch open their Sigerson championship with an away fixture in Galway at GMIT.

The Students secured the victory in a thrilling contest last January and will be buoyed by a draw with Monaghan and the fine form of Whitecross’, Ryan McSherry and the return of Shane McGuigan to the fold.

Section C

Derry Vs UU – Owenbeg

Damian McErlain’s men will need to win will and hope results go their way to have a hope of advancing after beating Fermanagh last time out.

On that occasion under 20 star, Ben McCarron burst onto the scene with a hat-trick of goals. The Oakleafers currently sit on two points but currently have a negative points difference of -5.

Ulster University put up a strong showing before falling to defeat in Omagh on Sunday.

Paul Rouse’s men begin their Sigerson campaign away to IT Tralee and with Karl McKaigue, Michael McKernan, Terrence O’Brien and Lee Brennan in their ranks they could be hard to stop.

Tyrone Vs Fermanagh – Healy Park

The Red Hands have already secured their place in the last four and will face the best runners-up as a fine mix of youth and experience continue to take to the field.

Ryan Gray, Ciaran McLaughlin and Liam Rafferty have impressed in wins over UU and Derry.

Fermanagh have already exited the competition and will be looking to prepare for life in Division Two as they host Cork.