McKenna Cup 2024

[under the bar]

I just LOVE IT when Down beat us early in the Season!  Start the shaving strike now!! 

[never kickt a ball]

Down 0-16 0-9 Tyrone

Holders Down hit nine unanswered points in the second half to beat jetlagged Tyrone in Sunday's Gaelic Life Dr McKenna Cup clash at Newry. The sides were level at 0-6 apiece at the break but after moving 0-8 to 0-7 ahead, Tyrone folded as Down reeled off the decisive scores. Michael Magee hit four Down points with John Fegan, Danny Hughes, Hugh Davey and Benny Coulter also adding scorers. Stephen O'Neill top-scored for Tyrone with seven points. Three of O'Neill's points came in the opening half with Tommy McGuigan and Gareth Devlin also on target for the Red Hands. The 3,750 spectators were treated to some tight exchanges early on as Hugh Davey hit two Down points while Magee and impressive midfielder Joseph Ireland also contributed scores. Sean Cavanagh started at centre half-back for Tyrone while the starting line-up also included regulars John Devine, Davy Harte and Kevin Hughes. Ronan Sexton had a goal chance for the Mourne men before the break but the ball was deflected wide for a 45. Tyrone's Tommy McGuigan didn't reappear for the second half but the Red Hands started brightly with points from O'Neill and Cavanagh helping them move 0-8 to 0-7 ahead.At that stage, Peter Donnelly and Cavanagh were doing well in the middle third of field but all of a sudden, the Tyrone tank seemed empty as Down took complete control. Magee, John Fegan (0-3), sub Coulter (0-2) and John Boyle were all among the scorers as Down struck their nine unanswered points. Davey and Conor Garvey were impressing in the Down defence while Ireland, Magee and Fegan were all causing their markers major problems. O'Neill had the final scoring say in injury-time as Tyrone ended a 25-minute scoring drought.
The victory moves Down on to four points in Section B and a draw in their final game against Monaghan will be enough to guarantee a semi-final place.

Story from BBC SPORT:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/northern_ireland/gaelic_games/7823121.stm


Down took another positive step in the defence of their Gaelic Life Dr McKenna Cup title with a win over All-Ireland champions Tyrone in front of a crowd of 3,750 in Newry on Sunday.

Taken from www.gaa.ie

Down made a lively start with scores from Conor Garvey and Michael Magee, but the sides were level three times in the opening quarter, Raymond Mulgrew and Stephen ONeill on target for Tyrone.Two superb long-range scores, kicked into the gusting breeze by wing-back Hugh Davey, helped the Mourne men pull two points clear by the 27th minute, but the Red Hands finished the first half strongly when newcomer Gareth Devlin raced through for a fine individual point, before ONeill brought his tally to three. Down crafted a goal chance in the dying moments of the half when Danny Hughes sent Ronan Sexton through, but Cavanagh saved the day with a wonderful tackle. The sides were deadlocked on 0-06 each at the break, and Cavanagh kicked Tyrone ahead for the first time six minutes into the second-half. The home support were bracing themselves for an onslaught from the All-Ireland champions, but it was Down who turned on the power with a devastating final 20 minutes. They simply blew the Red Hands away, hitting nine points without reply. John Fegan, John Boyle, Magee, Daniel Hughes and substitute Danny Hughes all hit quality scores as the Tyrone challenge crumbled. Even the introduction of more big guns from the bench could not turn the tide for a Tyrone side that in all called on 11 players who helped beat Kerry back in September. But it was another good day at the office for Ross Carrs men, and while the Down boss was remaining cautious in his reflections on this thumping win, he saw many positives after his side demolished the Tyrone challenge in a one-sided final 20 minutes. "Were very happy, but I think we have got to put it in perspective too," Down boss Ross Carr admitted. "You had a team who have won the All-Ireland and have just come back from a fortnights holidays on Friday. Were delighted with our own work, but youve got to put it in perspective too. "We asked the boys last week and again today to use it as a training session, and thats what theyre doing. Theyre trying to blow out the cobwebs from the break, but again I wouldnt go overboard on it either. "Were very happy with the way we played, but we know that there are massive tasks ahead."

Down: B McVeigh, D Rafferty, M Cole, C Garvey [0-1], K McKernan, L Sloan, H Davey [0-2], J Lynch, J Ireland [0-1], R Sexton, J Boyle [0-1], D Hughes [0-2], J Fegan [0-3, 2f], C Magee, M Magee [0-4, 3f].
Subs: A Carr for McKernan [H/T], K Duffin for Rafferty [45], B Coulter [0-2] for C Magee [48]

Tyrone: J Devine, M Swift, P Donnelly, M McGee, D Harte, S Cavanagh [0-1], P Jordan, K Hughes, A Cassidy, R Mellon, C Doris, G Devlin [0-1], R Mulgrew [0-1], S ONeill [0-5, 3f], T McGuigan [0-1].
Subs: J McMahon for McGuigan [H/T] E McGinley for Doris [50], M Penrose for Mellon [52]

Referee: P Hughes [Armagh]

Wides: Down 12, Tyrone 8

Yellow cards: None

Red cards: None

Sunday also saw five other games down for decision in the Gaelic Life Dr McKenna Cup.

In Section A, UUJ shocked National League champions Derry at Ballinascreen on a 0-13 to 0-10 scoreline while in Ballyshannon, John Joe Dohertys Donegal had three points to spare over Fermanagh.

Monaghan emerged on the wrong side of a 1-10 to 1-13 scoreline with St Marys in their Section B match at Emyvale. The Farney County had both Rory Woods and Dessie Mone sent-off.

Up in Casement Park, Antrim could not make home advantage count as they went down by two points to Tommy Carrs Cavan.

Finally, Armagh came from the dead to beat Queens University by four points. Ryan Henderson was the toast of the Orchard County after scoring three late goals.

http://www.downgaa.net/

[never kickt a ball]

Derry 0-10 0-13 UUJ

UUJ beat Derry 0-13 to 0-10 in Sunday's Gaelic Life McKenna Cup Section A game at Ballinascreen.Derry led 0-7 to 0-4 at half-time but UUJ fought back to win and put a major dent in Derry's hopes of making the semi-finals of the competition.Ciaran Donnelly scored eight points from frees for UUJ, three in the first half and five in the second period, and they next play Fermanagh on Wednesday. Seamus Bradley top-scored for Derry with three frees. The Oak Leafers drew their opening game against Fermanagh last week and now face Donegal next Sunday with only one point from their opening two fixtures. Adrian McGuckin's UUJ side lost to Donegal last week but still have a chance to qualify as they prepare to head to Enniskillen on Wednesday night.

Story from BBC SPORT:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/northern_ireland/gaelic_games/7823093.stm

[never kickt a ball]

Donegal 0-11 1-5 Fermanagh

Donegal held off Fermanagh at windy Ballyshannon to register their second win of the Gaelic Life McKenna Cup. Two Odhran Doherty points helped Donegal lead 0-5 to 0-1 and the home side led 0-6 to 0-3 at the break. Brian Roper and Kevin McMenamin points extended Donegal's lead but Seamus Ryder replied with a Fermanagh goal. McMenamin brought his total up to four as Donegal moved four ahead and while Daniel Killie struck two Fermanagh scores, the home side held on. Kevin Rafferty had the final scoring say with a shot which appeared to be going wide, only for a gust of wind to blow it between the posts. The windy and wet conditions at Father Tierney Park contributed to a low turnout of spectators. The wind was largely blowing across the pitch although any advantage that there was, helped the home team in the opening period. After Odhran Doherty's early point, Michael Doherty had a Donegal goal chance but his shot skimmed over the bar. Fermanagh targetman Seamus Ryder hit his team's first score and the Erne team's main tactic in the first half was to lump as many high balls as possible into the Donegal full-back line. However, the majority of the action was at the other end as points from McMenamin, Odhran Doherty and Conal Dunne extended Donegal's lead to four. An excellent Killie free and Ryan Keenan's point, after more direct play, cut the margin to two points but Neil Gallagher's wind-assisted effort left Donegal 0-6 to 0-3 ahead at the break. Brian Roper, equalling Matt Gallagher's record of 147 Donegal appearances, hit the opening score of the second half and McMenamin quickly added another point. However, Fermanagh were back in the game on 40 minutes with Ryder hammering to the net after Donegal goalkeeper Paul Durcan had hesitated instead of gathering a Ryan Keenan miskick. But the lead was increased to four by the 44th minute as McMenamin responded with two points from play. Two Killie scores halved Donegal's lead by the 63rd minute but Fermanagh never really threatened to get on terms. Rafferty hit the final score of the match two minutes from time. Tyrone referee Stephen McNamee handed out only one yellow card, with Fermanagh's Eamon Maguire having the enforced departure 13 minutes from time.
A draw in their final Section A game against Derry will be enough to guarantee Donegal a place in the semi-finals.

Story from BBC SPORT:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/northern_ireland/gaelic_games/7823149.stm

[Tyrone Dreamer]

Poor enough game in Newry. Didn't expect too much from Tyrone given the circumstances. Cassidy and Devlin were the best of the newcomers and great to see Stevie O'Neill injury free and looking sharp. Half forward line was poor and we ran out of steam for last 25 mins. Hub Hughes kicked another 3 or 4 very poor wides today - you cant afford to be greedy when you cant shoot. It will ovbviously be a very changed line up for Wednesday night were a big win is needed to make the last game worthwhile.

[never kickt a ball]

Armagh 3-6 0-12 Queen's

Armagh secured their second victory in Section C of the Gaelic Life McKenna Cup with a 3-6 to 0-12 win over Queen's at Lurgan on Sunday afternoon. Queen's led 0-10 to 0-2 at the interval but Armagh replied with a goal by Ronan Clarke and then two goals from Ryan Henderson in the last seven minutes. James Kielt scored 0-5 for Queen's and Charlie Vernon contributed 0-2. The students face Antrim in their final group match on Wednesday night while Armagh travel to Cavan next Saturday. Trailing by eight points at half-time, Clarke brought the Orchard county back into Sunday's match with a goal 12 minutes into the second half and then turned provider by supplying the ammunition for Henderson's goals. Three yellow cards were dished out in the game, to Paul Courtney of Queen's in the first half, and Armagh's Martin O'Rourke and Brendan Donaghy in the second. Armagh have four points from their two games, Queen's and Cavan have two and Antrim have yet to open their account.

Story from BBC SPORT:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/northern_ireland/gaelic_games/7823103.stm

[TacadoirArdMhacha]

Bit a good old fashioned robbery at Davitt Park today.  Queens totally bossed the game until the last 10 mins when a bad goalkeeping error gave Armagh the boost they so badly needed.  Ryan Henderson was the stand out Armagh player contributing 2-3 or 2-4, the only other Armagh players worth a mention are Clarke, Miceal O'Rourke and maybe Gareth Smyth in defence.  It was pretty awful stuff from Armagh and apart from Henderson's performance little to offer hope for the forthcoming season.

Queens on the other hand were excellent and moved the ball tremendously well at times and should have won the game by half a dozen pts.  Vernon was excellent until fading late on scored 0-2 and also won at least 3 frees from his strong running that brought scores, James Kielt and McGoldrick? were also very very good.

Second half was very enjoyable. Wind played a part. I thought Vince and Vernon had a nice battle with Vernon's two points probably just giving him the nod. Thought Marty was very good until he got the yellow. Smyth was excellent in defence and hardly put a foot wrong. Henderson was the stand out forward although Micheal done very well, won a lot of ball and was decent at the frees.

Young Rafferty also played well and Clarke showed a touch of class at times.

Come one Corn I'll accept a bit of club bias but Vernon just getting the nod over Vincie Martin?! Charlie completely bossed midfield and was easily the best player on the pitch. Hopefully its good news from an Armagh perspective and I'd like to see him given a run at midfield in the League.

As for Armagh, we were very very fortunate to get a victory in a game dominated by the wind. Henderson did very well, particularly in the first half getting both of Armagh's scores while against the breeze and deprived of possesion - didn't have much to do for either of the goals but he was in the right place at the right time. Definitely deserves a run of games in the league. Apart from that Michael O'Rourke did alright and was accurate from frees and Ronan Clarke showed the odd touch of class. Very average performance though. McEvoy had very little to do on his debut but fluffed a couple of early kick outs. Couldn't judge him yet. Marty O'Rourke was lucky to stay on the pitch as long as he did. With these new rules, he's really going to have to curb the petulant side to his performances.

[corn02]

Yeah fair enough TAC, reading all other posts I was probably a bit harsh on Vernon. I was in late so missed his first point, Was more wtahcing Vince than Vernon and Vince done ok and burst through a lot of challenges and caught a bit so was basing it on that. But Vernon did stand out a lot. Potential midfielder this year?

[The Corporal]

Any1 post the Queens starting line up from yesterday?

[nrico2006]

Good to see Tyrone back in action, although not much was expected of a team made up largely of fringe players and most of whom were only back from the team holiday.  In particular, brilliant to see SON back in action and scoring against a Down side with many championship regulars.   I am glad lessons have been learnt from the past few years with regard to how MH views the McKenna cup.

[Minder]

Good to see Tyrone back in action, although not much was expected of a team made up largely of fringe players and most of whom were only back from the team holiday.  In particular, brilliant to see SON back in action and scoring against a Down side with many championship regulars.  I am glad lessons have been learnt from the past few years with regard to how MH views the McKenna cup.

In what way Nrico?

[under the bar]

Stevie O'Neill racked up 7 out of Tyrone's 9 points?   That stat is even better than a win!

[SidelineKick]

Stevie O'Neill racked up 7 out of Tyrone's 9 points?   That stat is even better than a win!

Many frees?

[tyrone86]

Stevie O'Neill racked up 7 out of Tyrone's 9 points?   That stat is even better than a win!

7 seems a bit high. From memory, McGuigan got 2, Mannies got 1 and Big Sean got 1.

[SidelineKick]

From BBC:

Down 0-16 0-9 Tyrone 

Down's Paul Murphy is challenged by Tyrone's Michael McGee
Holders Down hit nine unanswered points in the second half to beat jetlagged Tyrone in Sunday's Gaelic Life Dr McKenna Cup clash at Newry.

The sides were level at 0-6 apiece at the break but after moving 0-8 to 0-7 ahead, Tyrone folded as Down reeled off the decisive scores.

Michael Magee hit four Down points with John Fegan, Danny Hughes, Hugh Davey and Benny Coulter also adding scorers.

Stephen O'Neill top-scored for Tyrone with seven points.

Three of O'Neill's points came in the opening half with Tommy McGuigan and Gareth Devlin also on target for the Red Hands.

The 3,750 spectators were treated to some tight exchanges early on as Hugh Davey hit two Down points while Magee and impressive midfielder Joseph Ireland also contributed scores.

Sean Cavanagh started at centre half-back for Tyrone while the starting line-up also included regulars John Devine, Davy Harte and Kevin Hughes.

Ronan Sexton had a goal chance for the Mourne men before the break but the ball was deflected wide for a 45.

Tyrone's Tommy McGuigan didn't reappear for the second half but the Red Hands started brightly with points from O'Neill and Cavanagh helping them move 0-8 to 0-7 ahead.

At that stage, Peter Donnelly and Cavanagh were doing well in the middle third of field but all of a sudden, the Tyrone tank seemed empty as Down took complete control.

Magee, John Fegan (0-3), sub Coulter (0-2) and John Boyle were all among the scorers as Down struck their nine unanswered points.

Davey and Conor Garvey were impressing in the Down defence while Ireland, Magee and Fegan were all causing their markers major problems.

O'Neill had the final scoring say in injury-time as Tyrone ended a 25-minute scoring drought.

The victory moves Down on to four points in Section B and a draw in their final game against Monaghan will be enough to guarantee a semi-final place.




Couldn't tell you how accurate that is.