The popular pre-season competition was controversially axed for 2025 along with the other provincial tournaments, but that decision is due to be reviewed this weekend
The Dr McKenna Cup could be revived for its 100th anniversary celebration next year pending a crucial vote this weekend.
The popular pre-season competition was controversially axed for 2025 along with the other provincial tournaments after the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) successfully campaigned for them to be halted for one season.
That decision is set to be reviewed again by Central Council this weekend and there is growing speculation that they will be brought back for the new county season in January.
Almost 30,000 fans attended Dr McKenna Cup games in Ulster in 2024 while 10,000 fans watched live streams of the games with Ulster GAA taking a six-figure financial hit from the decision.
In a statement issued to Belfast Live last September, the provincial body stated: “While disappointed that there will be no pre-season competitions in 2025, Ulster GAA accepts the decision of Ard Comhairle.
“We fully understand the issues around player welfare articulated by the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and others and we recognise the importance of the proper balance being struck between the welfare of our players and the overall games programme.
“We were surprised at the decision of Ard Comhairle, given that the results of a recent survey of counties, which was presented to Ard Comhairle members, indicated a preference for the retention of pre-season competitions. The decision will result in the curtailment of some of the programmes that Ulster GAA offers.
“However, the decision has been made and there is now a clear onus on the GPA to ensure that the return to train protocols and date are strictly adhered to by their members.”
The Railway Cup and the Ulster Senior Hurling Championships have yet to be resurrected after being put on hold and there were concerns among Ulster football fans that the Dr McKenna Cup would go the same way.
The Cavan County Board tried in vain to have the decision of the Central Council reversed last October in light of the new playing rules which would into force for this season, but the proposal was narrowly defeated.
Derry were the last winners of the competition after beating Donegal in the 2024 final in Omagh.
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