Derry SFC draw

By Michael McMullan

REIGNING champions Newbridge will open their defence of the John McLaughlin Cup against Kilrea when the Derry SFC kicks into action next month.

They are bidding for a third successive title with previous All-Ireland champions Glen also among the chasing pack.

Sleacht Néill, Magherafelt and Dungiven are also still in the mix for the league with two full rounds of games to play.

The championship will again follow the backdoor format. Newbridge were beaten in the first round last year by Dungiven before regrouping to retain the title.

Round 1 – August 27-30 All Owenbeg
Faughanvale v Lavey – Thursday, August 27 – 7.30pm
Kilrea v Newbridge – Friday, August 28 – 7.30pm
Glenullin v Loup – Saturday, August 29 – 4.30pm
Steelstown v Swatragh – Saturday, August 29 – 6.15pm
Bellaghy v Dungiven – Sunday, August 30 – 12noon
Glen v Banagher – Sunday, August 30 – 1.45pm
Ballinderry v Ballinascreen – Sunday, August 30 – 4.15pm
Sleacht Néill v Magherafelt – Sunday, August 30 – 6pm

Round 2A – September 4-6
Winners Round 1 v Winners Round 1
Four games with the winners advancing to the quarter-finals.

Round 2B – September 4-6
Losers Round 1 v Losers Round 1
Four games with the winners advancing to Round 3.
Four losing teams will be eliminated from the championship.

Round 3 – September 25-27
Winners 2B v Losers 2A – Four games with the winners advancing to the quarter-finals.

Quarter-finals – October 2-4

Semi-finals – October 9-11

Final – October 24/25