McKenna Cup 2026

[Wildweasel74]

Here if the McKenna Cup not there. Teams are away playing friendies,  didn't see the GPA cry about that.

[jb77]

https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2025/0923/1534995-ulster-delegates-vote-to-restore-mckenna-cup-for-2026/ Get the coats out I suppose

[From the Bunker]

Can Offaly play in it this year - Auld Mickey Harte loves winning this competition.

[tbrick18]

I always liked the McKenna cup - it's a chance to see how new panel members are shaping up in a competitive county game.
Harte kind of ruined it a bit by going with full strength sides, but for me it's all about seeing how the team is shaping up rather than results.
It was ridiculous that they pulled it last year with the new rules introduced, it would have been the perfect environment for teams and referees to get used to it and maybe we wouldn't have had so many iterations to the rules during the league.

[tiempo]

Harte didn't play challenge games, playing to win is hardly a new concept, he didn't ruin the competition he reinvigorated it by showing it due respect

[bennydorano]

Group 1
Armagh
Down
Tyrone

Group 2
Cavan
Fermanagh
Monaghan

Group 3
Antrim
Derry
Donegal

[SouthOfThe Bann]

Group 1
Armagh
Down
Tyrone

Group 2
Cavan
Fermanagh
Monaghan

Group 3
Antrim
Derry
Donegal

Regional Groups?

[Aristo 60]

A sensible idea at this time of year!

[illdecide]

Very sensible indeed. Be interesting to find out how much they'll charge into the games. Be interesting also to see how some of the new faces fare out stepping up a level (or two). Get's you outta the house for a few hours regardless.

[Munchie]

Real health and safety for both the player and supporter, in fairness they probably don't care about player welfare as they throw out c and d teams "discovering new talent" in the hard ground, wind, rain, snow and Baltic temperatures in January.  I remember a few years ago coming back from Cavan the snow was that bad that you couldn't put on your full beam as it blinded you, but sure the GAA got a good wee gate irrespective of supporters welfare.  And yes you can say no one is forcing you to go but the fact is folk do go, what did we miss with it been abandoned last year, the flu probably, the car not getting wrecked, it wasn't good football as it's pure shite.

[Munchie]

Very sensible indeed. Be interesting to find out how much they'll charge into the games. Be interesting also to see how some of the new faces fare out stepping up a level (or two). Get's you outta the house for a few hours regardless.

Playing ball in January is not stepping up, it's an endurance test for lads trying to break through and little if any get on the county team based on this drivel in the rain/snow/sleet/cut up pitches/Baltic conditions.

[general_lee]

Very sensible indeed. Be interesting to find out how much they'll charge into the games. Be interesting also to see how some of the new faces fare out stepping up a level (or two). Get's you outta the house for a few hours regardless.

Playing ball in January is not stepping up, it's an endurance test for lads trying to break through and little if any get on the county team based on this drivel in the rain/snow/sleet/cut up pitches/Baltic conditions.

Bai, they'd be out on a pitch of some sort in January either way, if not with the club then with the university or county

[Look-Up!]

Lads wearing the jersey for the first time certainly see it as a big deal and supporters do keep a close eye on new faces. Doesn't always go well admittedly but can be a confidence booster and breaking the duck or easing of nerves for those who get on.

[tiempo]

The following should also be cancelled Dec-Feb now you mention it

- All Ireland club
- Colleges and Higher education
- Co Board and club meetings/AGMs
- All Ireland league rugger
- 6 counties Irish league
- Stations of the cross and Sunday devotion
- Nativity and pantos
- All forms of Bingo

We've not the climate for it, a good winter of discontent is what we need

[bennydorano]

Thankfully we'll be seeing no more posts from Munchie on this topic then, double bonus.