The focus of 2026: The Ulster counties and a look ahead

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 has made an excellent move in bringing Michael McCann onto his ticket. Getting the best players pulling on the county jersey is their first and obvious brief. Imagine he could convince the Dunloy contingent to pick the big ball for a season.

ARMAGH

KIERAN McGeeney is back for a 12th season as manager but he won’t have Kieran Donaghy at his side. Sam Maguire will be in their crosshairs and possibly another shot at Ulster. It could prove a tricky season if the chatter is true of players stepping away from the inter-county scene. ‘Geezer’ and his management team have made a habit of building a highly competitive squad and that will be high on the agenda again.

CAVAN

DERMOT McCabe is a new manager in Cavan but as the county’s Games Development Manager, he will have his finger on the pulse. Also, as Westmeath manager last year he would’ve picking through the Breffni County’s strengths and weaknesses. Cavan finished in the middle of the pack in Division Two last season so the aim has to be promotion in a very competitive field. Having Paddy Lynch back to full fitness will be a huge plus.

DERRY

AFTER the highs of back-to-back Ulster titles, Derry have plunged since but having Ciarán Meenagh in situ as manager has settled the county. Himself and Chrissy McKaigue are present at the club championship. With the input of goalkeeper coach Thomas Mallon, getting a settled number one will be the first focus with Odhrán Lynch still out injured. The big picture will be getting out of Division Two which is going to be a minefield with Tyrone and Meath jockeying for position.

DONEGAL

REPLACING selector Luke Barrett is the first task for Jim McGuinness. The next is to convince Michael Murphy he has another season to offer at the highest level, especially with Ciarán Thompson on the injured list. The focus in the county will be on one thing – Sam Maguire. Progression has been the buzz word in recent seasons. The expectation level now changes and winning an All-Ireland will be front and centre again.

DOWN

NOT only did Conor Laverty lose Ciarán Meenagh, but conditioning coach Aaron Bradley and ‘keeper coach Thomas Mallon both joined Meenagh in Derry. ‘Lav’ pulled off an excellent coup by bringing in Tony McEntee. As much as they made excellent progress last season, starting in Division Three and without their Tailteann Cup card, they’ll have to reach an Ulster final to get a ticket to the Sam Maguire party. That will be one obvious goal. The other will be promotion.

FERMANAGH

AFTER Kieran Donnelly stepped down, Declan Bonner ticks two boxes coming in as manager. He has the experience of county level but as Erne Gaels manager he will have a handle on all players in the Erne County. Paul Brennan is a popular coach. In an interview with Gaelic Life, Bonner said the door is open to anyone who wants to play for Fermanagh. Looking in from the outside, promotion will be the obvious focus.

MONAGHAN

GABRIEL Bannigan will hope new leaders emerge in a dressing room that won’t have Conor McManus, Darren Hughes and Karl O’Connell. Three unbelievable servants. They’ve also lost the coaching nous of Andy Moran. The immediate challenge will be beefing out their panel ahead of the unforgiving environment of Division One football. The top level has served Monaghan well and they’ll have to target early wins to give them the best chance to stay there. After that, they can get their teeth into championship action.

TYRONE

MALACHY O’Rourke had a mixed 2025. Despite ending up on seven points, they were relegated. They danced all the way to a semi-final defeat to Kerry in the championship. They will have a promotion target but Armagh and Dublin have proved that Division Two doesn’t always dilute championship preparations. Getting more variation into their attack will be an area they will look to. Does it open the door to Paul Donaghy? Is Cathal McShane an option? If Mattie Donnelly stays on board, will it be in a dedicated inside forward role with their other scoring forwards to play off. An interesting season ahead.