County teams have a McKenna Cup campaign to feel their way into 2026. Michael McMullan ponders over the Ulster teams’ targets. ANTRIM NEW manager Mark Doran will have one clear focus and that is to get the Saffrons back out of Division Four after last year’s relegation. He has experience of inter-county backroom teams and […]
FORMER Ulster GAA players Jude McAtamney and Charlie Smyth have missed out on their clubs’ rosters ahead of the new NFL season, although it doesn’t mean that they will make their exits. Mayobridge man Smyth was Down’s goalkeeper in their 2021 Ulster u-20 winning team, while McAtamney, from Swatragh, was a long-range free-taker when Derry […]
By Michael McMullan MONAGHAN manager Gabriel Bannigan has made one change to his team ahead go Saturday’s NFL Division Two final with Roscommon at Croke Park (7.15pm) Stephen O’Hanlon starts ahead of Kevin Loughran from their defeat to Down. There is also an appearance in the 26 for Karl O’Connell. Advertisement Monaghan lost the Division […]
Shaun Casey looks back on Ulster county’s maiden Division One successes Armagh Armagh’s one and only National League title came 20 years ago during a golden period of success for the Orchard County. Following on from their historic All-Ireland win in 2002, Armagh backed it up with a first ever NFL title in 2005, beating […]
NFL DIVISION TWO FINAL Monaghan v Roscommon Saturday, Croke Park, 7.15pm By Michael McMullan THERE is little surprise Monaghan and Roscommon are locking horns on Saturday. Both were relegated from the top flight last year. And both have quality. When the Monaghan bus pulled out of the Hyde after their defeat to the Rossies earlier […]
By Shaun Casey Monaghan captain Mícheál Bannigan says his side are focused on delivering a performance in the Division Two league final this weekend as the preparations begin to intense ahead of the Ulster Championship. The Farney County face Roscommon in the decider, with both sides making a swift return to the top tier following […]
By Michael McMullan DONEGAL have names their side for Sunday’s league clash against Mayo in Castlebar. Manager Jim McGuinness has 11 changes from the side that lost to Tyrone with only Caolan McColgan, Hugh McFadden, Niall O’Donnell and Finbar Roarty retained. There is a first start of the season for defender Stephen McMenamin while Michael […]
By Shaun Casey A HOUDINI act in Clones on the final day of the National League has a familiar ring to it but this year is slightly different as it’s Conor Laverty’s Down who are trying to pull off the round seven heroics. On plenty of occasions in the last decade, Monaghan have secured their […]
By Michael McMullan DERRY are still searching for their first win of 2025 but Sunday’s relegation leaves this weekend’s final league game with All-Ireland champions Armagh irrelevant. After two seasons in the top flight, the Oakleafers’ must plan to bounce back in 2026 but their eyes are now on the championship. “That’ll be our target […]
By Michael McMullan DONEGAL have another chance to run eyes over their entire panel this weekend with a trip to Mayo. Manager Jim McGuinness has stressed the importance of staying in the division. With their top-flight status secured, the management took the chance to reshuffle their deck last weekend. Advertisement Donegal made 11 changes from […]
