McKenna Cup 2024

[never kickt a ball]

Ulster GAA have confirmed that the 2020 Bank of Ireland Dr. McKenna Cup Competition will be played without the third level Institutions and will commence on December 29th. A domino effect that has seen County u20s competitions and Sigerson Cup competition being completed earlier left a choice between starting the McKenna cup in mid-December with the third-level colleges or going after Christmas without them.

The group stages will now see games on the 29th of December, January 4th/5th and January 8th with semi-finals on January 12th and the final on the weekend of January 18th/19th. Commenting on the decision Ulster GAA Secretary Brian McAvoy said:

"Two scenarios were put to committee members – the one which was adopted and another which would have meant all three group rounds of the Bank of Ireland Dr. McKenna Cup played in December.  There was little appetite from counties to start the competition pre-Christmas, a scenario which would have meant at least five counties having no organized pre-season games in the month of January."

"With the Sigerson Cup now being run-off in the month of January it's unlikely now that our university teams will be able to participate in the 2020 competition.  Ulster GAA has always valued greatly the participation of Queen's University, Ulster University and St. Mary's University College in the Bank of Ireland Dr. McKenna Cup and we continued to offer them the opportunity to play in our pre-season football competition, even when other provinces did not.

"They have added to the competition over the years and we owe them a large debt of gratitude for this.  It will be disappointing that they are unlikely to be in the 2020 competition – but totally understandable.  I wish them well in their Sigerson Cup preparations and hope that the famed trophy can return to Ulster next year."

[never kickt a ball]

The draws for the 2020 Dr McKenna Cup have been made tonight at Riddel Hall, Belfast.

Holders Tyrone are set to open against Armagh at the end of the month after being drawn into Group C, with Mickey Graham's Cavan side also part of what looks the toughest section of the draw.

Ulster champions Donegal are with Monaghan and Derry in Group A while Antrim, Down and Fermanagh have been drawn into Group C, with only nine sides partaking in the competition as college teams are not included this year.

The first round of games are scheduled for Sunday, December 29th.

2020 Dr McKenna Cup draw:

Group A: Monaghan, Donegal, Derry

Group B: Antrim, Down, Fermanagh

Group C: Armagh, Tyrone, Cavan

*Semi-final one - Section C winner v Section B winner

*Semi-final two - Section A winner v Best runner up

[trailer]

It's actually f**king mental that this competition still takes place.

[Taylor]

It's actually f**king mental that this competition still takes place.

You say that but wait till you see the attendances for a 'nothing' competition.

It is astounding how many people come out to watch it

[rodney trotter]

It's Tyrone and Armagh that really care about the competition. Tyrone in particular.

[bannside]

Gives counties two or three competitive outings before the league, and a few hundred grand to Ulster Council to keep the steak dinners going for another twelve months.

21 games this year with average crowd of 1500 at £5. Handy enough £150k. Maybe more. 

[Norf Tyrone]

Gives counties two or three competitive outings before the league, and a few hundred grand to Ulster Council to keep the steak dinners going for another twelve months.

21 games this year with average crowd of 1500 at £5. Handy enough £150k. Maybe more.

21 games in the McKenna cup?

Are these games ran for free? Surely there are costs too?

[Throw ball]

It's Tyrone and Armagh that really care about the competition. Tyrone in particular.

Without checking I think it is over 25 years since Armagh won the McKenna Cup. Don't think they take it too serious at all. Now playing Tyrone in anything is a different matter.

[under the bar]

Gives counties two or three competitive outings before the league, and a few hundred grand to Ulster Council to keep the steak dinners going for another twelve months.

21 games this year with average crowd of 1500 at £5. Handy enough £150k. Maybe more.

21 games in the McKenna cup?

Are these games ran for free? Surely there are costs too?

Flogging smuggled cigarettes around the Athletic Grounds makes Armagh County Board a fair few quid extra.

[playwiththewind1st]

Gives counties two or three competitive outings before the league, and a few hundred grand to Ulster Council to keep the steak dinners going for another twelve months.

21 games this year with average crowd of 1500 at £5. Handy enough £150k. Maybe more.

21 games in the McKenna cup?

Are these games ran for free? Surely there are costs too?

Flogging smuggled cigarettes around the Athletic Grounds makes Armagh County Board a fair few quid extra.

Cigarette smoking & sport....a good link up.

[Taylor]

Gives counties two or three competitive outings before the league, and a few hundred grand to Ulster Council to keep the steak dinners going for another twelve months.

21 games this year with average crowd of 1500 at £5. Handy enough £150k. Maybe more.

21 games in the McKenna cup?

Are these games ran for free? Surely there are costs too?

Flogging smuggled cigarettes around the Athletic Grounds makes Armagh County Board a fair few quid extra.

Cigarette smoking & sport....a good link up.

Much like drink or gambling and sport.
All about the money

[regal]

It's Tyrone and Armagh that really care about the competition. Tyrone in particular.

Without checking I think it is over 25 years since Armagh won the McKenna Cup. Don't think they take it too serious at all. Now playing Tyrone in anything is a different matter.

Correct, I think it was maybe 1991 when Armagh last won it and I can't remember being in too many finals since. I do think Armagh will be competitive in it this year

[BennyCake]

It's Tyrone and Armagh that really care about the competition. Tyrone in particular.

Without checking I think it is over 25 years since Armagh won the McKenna Cup. Don't think they take it too serious at all. Now playing Tyrone in anything is a different matter.

Correct, I think it was maybe 1991 when Armagh last won it and I can't remember being in too many finals since. I do think Armagh will be competitive in it this year

Armagh last won it in 1994.

[rrhf]

That 91 win was famous for canavan scoring 15 points. The Armagh fans clapped and cheered him off the field..

[tonto1888]

Good to have the football back and nice to start the season off with a decent win