Sport

Harte and McGuinness to face off in Ulster SFC after Derry are drawn against Donegal

By Paul McConville

Mickey Harte will face Jim McGuinness in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Ulster Senior Football Championship after reigning champions Derry were drawn to face Donegal on Saturday. 

With nine Ulster titles between them, the pair have dominated Ulster football over the past two decades and although McGuinness's return to his native Donegal, with whom he won the 2012 All-Ireland, was widely expected, Harte's appointment as Derry manager caused a sensation throughout Ireland.

Read more: Mickey Harte to be appointed new Derry manager after stepping down in Louth

The three-time All-Ireland winning manager will be tasked with bringing a third consecutive Anglo Celt to the Oak Leaf county, something he never achieved with Tyrone despite winning six provincial titles during his 19-year reign.

Harte's native Red Hands will take on the winners of the preliminary, which will be between neighbours Monaghan and Cavan in what will be a tough Championship opener for new Breffni boss Raymond Galligan.

Down have been drawn at home to Antrim while Fermanagh will host Armagh in a half of the draw which will afford one of those teams a path to an Ulster final.

Given that all four teams will be playing in either Division Two or Division Three, a provincial final appearance would help cement Sam Maguire football.  

Ulster SFC draw

Preliminary round

Monaghan v Cavan

Quarter-finals

Down v Antrim

Fermanagh v Armagh

Derry v Donegal

Tyrone v Monaghan/Cavan  

Semi-finals

Down/Antrim v Fermanagh/Armagh

Derry/Donegal v Tyrone/Monaghan/Cavan