Derry and Donegal drawn together in Dr McKenna Cup

Derry and Donegal drawn together in Dr McKenna Cup

There will be a repeat of the 2024 Dr McKenna Cup final as Tuesday's draw saw holders Derry and Ulster champions Donegal matched in the same group.

The pre-season competition returns in January after a one-season hiatus with the full schedule of fixtures to be confirmed in the coming days.

Derry scored a 0-12 to 0-6 win over Jim McGuinness' men in the final and both sides are joined by Antrim in Group C.

In Group A, Kieran McGeeney's Armagh have been drawn alongside neighbours Tyrone and Down, while in Group B, there is another derby in prospect with Cavan and Monaghan in the same section alongside Fermanagh.

Ulster GAA confirmed the competition's return in September for what will be the 100th anniversary of the Dr McKenna Cup.

Last year, it was estimated the Ulster Council lost upwards of £300,000 in gate receipts with the competition shelved on the basis of player welfare, but the pre-season competitions across the provinces have been given the green light to return.

2026 Dr McKenna Cup draw

Group A: Armagh, Down, Tyrone

Group B: Cavan, Fermanagh, Monaghan

Group C: Antrim, Derry, Donegal

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