Bank of Ireland Dr McKenna Cup Round 1 Round-Up

Section A: Armagh 0-17 Tyrone 2-13

Section B: Cavan 0-13 Monaghan 0-16

Section C: Donegal P Derry P (game postponed and both teams awarded a point)

Tyrone claimed first blood in the Bank of Ireland Dr McKenna Cup with a hard-fought win over Armagh at a packed Box-IT Athletic Grounds, where 7,180 fans witnessed a thrilling derby. While Armagh shaded much of the contest, Tyrone struck for goals at crucial moments to edge the opener.

Lorcan McGarrity netted the first goal on 11 minutes after a sharp exchange with Joseph Oguz, helping Tyrone into a narrow lead despite Armagh’s strong response through Jarly Óg Burns, Oisin O’Neill and Andrew Murnin. Armagh moved three clear late in the half, aided by a Conor Turbitt two-pointer, to lead 0-10 to 1-05 at the break.

Mattie Donnelly’s second-half goal kept Tyrone in touch before substitutes Darren McCurry and Donnelly proved decisive down the stretch. Late scores from Ben Cullen and Donnelly sealed the Red Hands’ victory, though Armagh were left concerned by an injury to Darragh McMullen ahead of their Ulster Championship rematch in April.

Monaghan edged local rivals Cavan in a lively opener at a Kingspan Breffni, played in front of 2,083 spectators. Both sides fielded largely experimental line-ups, though the contest was keenly fought throughout.

Farney captain Micheál Bannigan set the tone early with two points, while David Garland’s pace and movement consistently troubled the Cavan defence. Cavan responded through Tristan Noack-Hofmann, Paddy Lynch and an impressive Emmanuel Shehu, with Oisin Brady also catching the eye. The sides were level several times in an evenly balanced first half, Monaghan edging it 0-8 to 0-6 at the break.

Cavan briefly hit the front in the second half thanks to a superb Oisin Brady two-pointer, but Monaghan answered through Bannigan, Dessie Ward and Andrew Woods. Late equalisers from Brady raised hopes of a Cavan comeback, but Garland’s fisted point proved decisive. Bannigan and substitute Eddie Walsh added insurance scores to secure Monaghan’s win and local bragging rights.