The 2009 Dr McKenna Cup was a Gaelic football competition played under the auspices of Ulster GAA. The tournament was won by Donegal, their first McKenna title since 1991. They defeated Queen's in the final, after extra-time, with goals from David Walsh and Ryan Bradley.[1] Donegal were captained by Rory Kavanagh.[2] Queen's had earlier knocked out title holders Down with a six-point win.[3] They were also the first university side to reach the final.[4]
 | |
| Tournament details | |
|---|---|
| Province | Ulster |
| Year | 2009 |
Format
editA group-based format was used, with the twelve teams divided into three groups of four. Each group included a University team, and three inter-county teams. Each team played three matches, with two points acquired for a win, one for a draw, and no points for a loss. The winner of each group, plus the best runner-up, qualified for the semi-finals, and the winners of the semi-finals played each other in the Final at Casement Park in February.[5] format was used, with the twelve teams div
Draw
editThe draw for the 2009 McKenna Cup was made in the Armagh City Hotel, Armagh on Wednesday 11 November 2008.[6] The competition will start on the weekend of 3 and 4 January 2009.[6] In addition to weekend matches, some games will be played midweek, so the competition is completed before the start of the 2009 National League in early February.[7] Television broadcaster TG4 has pledged to screen a minimum of four live games from the competition.[6] The winners of Group B will play the winners of Group C in the semi-finals, while the Group A winners will face the best runners-up of the three groups.[6]
| Group A | Group B | Group C |
|---|---|---|
| University of Ulster, Jordanstown (UUJ) | St Mary's University College | Queen's University of Belfast |
| Fermanagh | Tyrone | Armagh |
| Derry | Monaghan | Antrim |
| Donegal | Down | Cavan |
- Semi-finals
Group A winner versus Best runner-up
Group B winner versus Group C winner
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Donegal 2-12 Queen's University 0-11 (AET)". RTÉ Sport. 25 January 2009. Retrieved 25 January 2009.
- ^ "Kavanagh set to captain Donegal". RTÉ Sport. 19 December 2008. Retrieved 19 December 2008.
- ^ "Queen's University 1-17 Down 1-11". RTÉ Sport. 22 January 2009. Retrieved 22 January 2009.
- ^ Woods, Ciaran (23 January 2009). "Class of '09 comes good!". Gaelic Life. p. 7.
- ^ "Big guns kept apart in McKenna Cup". RTÉ Sport. 11 November 2008. Retrieved 11 November 2008.
- ^ a b c d Heaney, Paddy (12 November 2008). "Cup has winning mentality". The Irish News. p. 64. Retrieved 12 November 2008.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Champions to face off in McKenna Cup". Hogan Stand. 12 November 2008. Retrieved 12 November 2008.