McKenna Cup 2024

[The GAA]

Yeah, disappointing stuff from armagh. defence looked a shambles in the first half with every one of the queens forward on top. vernon was breaking forward un tracked and queens paroably deserved to be further ahead than 10-2. stiff breeze though it must be said. big kielt was very dangerous inside and the wee queens wing forward ran the game.

clarke was poor again in the first half in his new role and the half forward line was brutal.

second half was obviously a different game with armagh dominating possession and piling forward. a few dubious frees and a bit of brilliance from clarke (though he took double figures in steps) got armagh back into it but its was very even contest. a complete howler from the queens keeper while a point up with a few minutes to go gifted armagh a probably undeserved win.

henderson is a classy finisher to have on the end of things, miceal o'rourke showed well, won some very tough ball and kicked his frees. clarke showed glimpses of class in possession. beyond that it was very poor. queens were very impressive and moven the ball very fast.

[Maguire01]

Poor showing from Monaghan today, but St Mary's good value for their win - and could have won by more. Serious turnaround for them after last week's result - will be interesting to see how Monaghan fare against Down now. St Mary's scored some great long range points.
Monaghan were very messy and were pretty much cleaned out at midfield. Rory Woods and Dessie Mone shown the line on a yellow card in first half. Ref didn't do Monaghan any favours either, not that it would have made much difference to the result.

[FermGael]

who did all the scoring for st marys?

[Maguire01]

Couldn't tell you to be honest. Match programme with no numbers is as useful as a chocolate teapot.

[downgirl]

Glad to see we can STILL beat the All-Ireland champions 

[orangeman]

Poor showing from Monaghan today, but St Mary's good value for their win - and could have won by more. Serious turnaround for them after last week's result - will be interesting to see how Monaghan fare against Down now. St Mary's scored some great long range points.
Monaghan were very messy and were pretty much cleaned out at midfield. Rory Woods and Dessie Mone shown the line on a yellow card in first half. Ref didn't do Monaghan any favours either, not that it would have made much difference to the result.

Shock of the day if you ask me !

[Maguire01]

Probably is, but as you would expect, Monaghan had an experimental side (although did have a good few regulars too) and St Mary's can't have been anywhere near that good against Down last week.

[Dubh driocht]

Down did well today but Tyrone really ran out of steam in the third quarter.From the home perspective, the defence was the bonus- particularly the new men and the returning Rafferty and Cole. Joe Ireland was MOM at midfield- never stopped for 70 minutes and quality throughout. Michael Magee was the pick of the forwards so plenty to work from-next up Monaghan at Inniskeen on Wednesday.
For Tyrone, Devine wasn't troubled- Peter Donnelly did well enough at FB and you would have expected more from a HB line of Jordan, Cavanagh and Harte. Hughes and Cassidy OK at MF but Down shaded it.Mellon and Mc Gugan didn't look fit, O'Neill showed flashes of genius but was dispossed too easily on at least two occasions.Mc Mahon and Mc Ginley did nothing when they came on.They might struggle against the Ranch in Omagh on Wednesday- it is a good opportunity for Tally to settle a few scores.

Agree about the absence of squad numbers in the programme- poor show Ulster Council - what is the use ?

Pitch held up well, Ref OK - couple of silly ones but let game flow and it did - fair play to both teams.

So far , I've been balanced but have to say, you'll never beat the Down men !

[Redhandfan]

Not much to write home about in Newry today.  Tyrone did quite well in the first half but died completely in the last twenty minutes which allowed a fitter Down team stroll to a relatively comfortable win in the end.  Up until those last twenty minutes, Peter Donnelly and Sean Cavanagh (yes Sean Cavanagh!!) were manning the centre of Tyrone's defence quite well while Stevie O'Neill was easily the best forward on the field - obviously benefitting somewhat from the fact that he was doing his own bit of training while most of the Tyrone guys were on holiday.

Of the newcomers, Augher midfielder Aidan Cassidy and Stewartstown forward Gareth Devlin did themselves no harm with decent displays.  Cassidy won a fair amount of ball in the first half and used it well, while Devlin showed well and was also on the ball quite a bit during those opening thirty minutes.  However, I would like to think all of the Tyrone players will have benefitted in some way from this first outing of the year.  

Down have amassed a good scoring average in their first two games and should now top this group.  But with St Mary's causing the upset of the day by beating Monaghan, it is still all to play for in this section.  All four teams (if they are interested) still stand a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals!

Just a final word on the south Armagh referee Padraig Hughes.  I thought him a very strange choice to take charge of this game, given his close proximity and previous history with both counties.  However, he actually did a decent enough job and never produced one yellow card in the entire match.  I never thought I would see the day when I would give this gentleman some credit!!

[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