Meeting with Gallagher and Fermanagh to add intrigue to Donegal’s McKenna Cup

Donegal have learned their opponents for the 2018 Dr McKenna Cup – and have an early meeting with a familiar face.

Donegal’s era under Declan Bonner will begin in Section C of the McKenna Cup that also includes Fermanagh, now being managed by former Donegal boss Rory Gallagher.

While Queen’s University and Monaghan are also included, there is no doubt that the meeting of Donegal and Fermanagh will be the juicy tie of the pre-season competition.

Gallagher’s start to his tenure in charge of his native Fermanagh will include a January clash with Donegal, whom he managed for three years from 2015-17.

Bonner assumed control when Gallagher departed in the wake of a heavy qualifier loss to Galway and within a couple of weeks Gallagher had pitched up at the helm in the Erne County.

Bonner’s McKenna Cup bid is likely to include the return of players like Odhrán Mac Niallais and Leo McLoone, who had opted away from the county panel this year.

The full Dr McKenna Cup fixtures will be confirmed at a meeting of the Ulster CCC on Tuesday night next.

The Dr McKenna Cup is set to begin on Wednesday, January 3.

Section A 

St Mary’s

Tyrone

Cavan

Antrim

Section B 

Ulster University

Derry

Down

Armagh

Section C 

Queens University

Donegal

Monaghan

Fermanagh