Semi-finals set up after latest McKenna Cup clashes
By Sinéad McGlynn
Tyrone will meet Fermanagh and Derry will face Monaghan in McKenna Cup semi-finals after they were among the winners in Wednesday night’s action.
The Red Hands’ 23-point victory over Donegal, coupled with Ulster University’s triumph over Cavan, ensured that Mickey Harte’s side took the top spot in section C.
New boys Ronan McHugh and Cahir McCullagh were on target with the three-pointers that cancelled out the scoring efforts of a youthful Donegal side.
At Breffni Park, UU got the better of Cavan as points from the returning Patrick McBrearty and Mark Bradley punished the hosts.
In Section A action, Armagh and Down played out the game of the night as the Orchardmen claimed bragging rights, thanks in no small part to a late goal from Aaron Findon.
The Mournemen had worked themselves back to within a point of their opponents before shipping the late blow.
A power outage in Owenbeg saw a delay in proceedings in the section’s other game, where a 20-point victory for Derry over QUB meant they progressed as section winners.
Monaghan continued their winning start to the year as they survived a scare from a Cathal McShane led St Mary’s side.
A goal from Dermot Malone early in the second half helped the hosts on their way to victory.
Fermanagh joined the Farney men in the semi-finals after Pete McGrath’s charges got the better of winless Antrim at Brewster Park.
The home side completely dominated at the break as they lead 0-11 to 0-0.
While the visitors split the posts five times after the interval, they failed to get within touching distance of their opponents.
McKenna Cup Results
Armagh 1-15 - 2-08 Down
Derry 2-20 - 0-06 QUB
Monaghan 1-13 - 0-10 St Mary's College
Fermanagh 0-19 - 0-05 Antrim
Cavan 0-15 - 0-19 Ulster University
Tyrone 2-23 - 0-06 Donegal