Down win out over Derry amid McKenna Cup action

Down took on Derry at Pairc Esler amid Sunday's McKenna Cup action. Credit: Presseye

By Sinéad McGlynn

There were wins for Down, Tyrone, Armagh, Cavan, Fermanagh and Monaghan on Sunday as action continued in this year's McKenna Cup.

Down made it two wins from two outings with a victory by the minimum against Derry.

The hosts maintained their slender half-time advantage as Alan Davidson and Caolan Mooney found range, while a late free from Mark Lynch could only reduce the deficit as time ran out for the visitors.

At the Athletic Grounds, Armagh secured a comprehensive victory over Queen's.

Jamie Clarke's return to action was a welcome sight for the Orchard men, while namesake Martin Clarke was once again the star man for the students.

Section B action saw victories for both Monaghan and Fermanagh.

The Farney men hit the net with a first-half goal from Colin Walshe and a second half penalty from Shane Carey, while Kieran Hughes also kept the scoreboard ticking.

Tomás McCann and Ryan Murray were among the scorers for the visitors.

The Erne men finished with two goals to spare at Brewster Park.

Eoin Donnelly and Daryl Keenan were there with a goal in either half as Pete McGrath’s side picked up their first victory.

Meanwhile, Tyrone returned to winning ways with a 13-point success over Ulster University at Carrickmore.

Five-time defending champions Tyrone won out over Ulster University. Credit: Presseye

Niall McKenna and Ronan McHugh were on target with Tyrone’s three-pointers as they went on to carve out a comprehensive victory.

The students registered just one point after the break, while the Red Hands upped the ante.

In the other section C match up, Donegal suffered a second successive defeat as Cavan claimed a second victory on the trot.

Seanie Johnston was named Man of the Match after registering an individual 1-06 tally for the Breffni men.

Eathan O’Donnell was on target with Donegal's goal as he got them off the mark after nine minutes and the sides were all square at the break - before Cavan moved up a gear in the second half.

Dr McKenna Cup Results

  • Down 0-15 - 0-14 Derry

  • Armagh 2-19 - 0-09 Queen's

  • Antrim 0-09 - 2-20 Monaghan

  • St Mary's 0-13 - 2-13 Fermanagh

  • Donegal 1-06 - 2-14 Cavan

  • Tyrone 2-17 - 1-07 UU