Fermanagh will face two tough tests against Ulster champions Derry and Tyrone in the upcoming McKenna Cup following the draw for the competition on Tuesday night.

The group stages of the competition will be run off over an eight day period, the opening round scheduled for Wednesday January 4 with games also on Sunday January 8 and Wednesday January 11.

The semi-finals and final will then take place over the following two weeekends.

Fermanagh manager Kieran Donnelly believes that games against quality opponents such as Rory Gallagher’s Derry and Tyrone are the ideal challenges for his players as they get ready for their Division Three campaign.

“I think the McKenna Cup is a great competition, especially leading up to the league, and there is no doubt that Tyrone and Derry are as tough a draw as you can get.

“But I think those are the challenges we need as a squad and it gives us the chance to look at certain players against high quality opposition so we’re happy with the draw.

“It is also good to have avoided teams that we play in the league because you are going to be meeting them down the line.

“We are looking forward to it, it is a good challenge to our players and they always want to pit themselves against teams like that,” said Donnelly.

 

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