'Lots of intrigue' in Ulster SFC draw - McConville

6 months ago 109

Derry are targeting a third straight Ulster Senior Football Championship title

Oisin McConville says the 2024 Ulster Senior Football Championship draw is "a little bit lopsided" as holders Derry face an opener against Donegal.

Tyrone, Monaghan and Cavan are also on that side of the draw while on the other, Down are home to Antrim while Fermanagh host Armagh.

"There's lots to look forward to, lots of intrigue in that draw," said Armagh All-Ireland winner McConville.

"There's a tough side there and another maybe not so tough."

He added: "You have to say, a bit like last year, the draw is a little bit lopsided. But there are opportunities there for a lot of teams.

"There are obviously changes in management and there are a couple of guys who will fancy their chances of being in an Ulster final.

Harte to face McGuinness as as holders Derry draw Donegal in Ulster SFC

"When people were listening to the [provincial draws] on Saturday, the one they all wanted to know was the Ulster draw. It's still the challenge that keeps delivering."

Mickey Harte's Derry are at home against Donegal, now managed again by Jim McGuinness. The draw also means victory for Derry could see Harte come up against former side Tyrone in the 2024 semi-finals.

The Red Hands will travel to face either Monaghan or Cavan, drawn to play each other in the preliminary round, in their quarter-final.

McConville fancies Armagh to reach final

"People will look to Armagh, they'll fancy them to come out of that side of the draw. Is it going to be as simple as that? Probably not. Similar to last year, you could go into an Ulster final and probably feel a little bit undercooked.

"The other side of the draw is obviously tough. Some people might discount the chances of Cavan and Monaghan, but if you look at what Monaghan did last year, putting Dublin under pressure.

"When you think about the tough side of the draw, immediately you think about Derry, you think about Tyrone, obviously, but the team that could sneak in there are Monaghan.

"On the other side of the draw I can't see anyone other than Armagh coming through. The one team people look to as regards improvement is Down. I think they have definitely shown signs of improvement.

"They got found out last year against Armagh but I think they'll have learned a lot from that. They're a further year down the line and you'd imagine they are just going to keep getting stronger.

"There's always one team that puts their hand up in the Ulster Championship and that team possibly could be Down."