Donegal learn opponents for the 2026 Dr McKenna Cup campaign

Donegal have been drawn against Derry and Antrim in Section C of the 2026 Dr McKenna Cup.

Jim McGuinness’ men will face Derry in what will be a repeat of the final from the last instalment of the competition, when the Oak Leaf County won by a score of 0-12 to 0-6.

Luke Barrett was part of the Donegal backroom team that year, but he has since linked up with Derry, managed by Ciarán Meenagh.

Barrett was part of the set-up as they won back-to-back Ulster titles and reached the All-Ireland final, but stepped away from the backroom team back in September to “pursue further education”, while he was coach at Loughmacrory as they won the Tyrone Senior Championship.

Donegal’s other fixture will be against Mark Doran’s Antrim, with one game at home and one away, but fixtures are yet to be confirmed.

Fermanagh, managed by former Donegal manager Declan Bonner, have been drawn in Section B with Cavan and Monaghan.

The Na Rossa clubman managed his native county from 1997 to 2000 and again from 2017 to 2021, where he won two Ulster titles.

Bonner has since led Erne Gaels to two in a row in the Fermanagh Senior Championship, the first coming after a 43-year drought.

In Section A, Armagh, Tyrone and Down will meet.

After a year without the competition in 2025, the Ulster GAA confirmed its return in September for what will be the 100th anniversary of the Dr McKenna Cup.