Dr McKenna Cup: Wins for Tyrone, Monaghan and Donegal

Donegal impressed in their first outing of the year, running out comfortable 1-15 to 0-7 winners over Antrim at Cargin to close Section C of the Dr McKenna Cup.

The Tir Chonaill men made a flying start on a wet afternoon, with goalkeeper Gavin Mulreany converting a two-pointer in the opening minute after Shea Malone was fouled.

Despite early possession dominance, Donegal were wasteful in front of goal, registering five wides, although debutant Turlough Carr impressed across the pitch before Oisin Caulfield extended their lead inside 10 minutes.

Antrim struggled to respond, missing a goalscoring chance when Marc Jordan picked out Paul Bradley in front of goal. Corner-back Kavan Keenan kept the hosts in touch with crucial first-half turnovers, and Pat Shivers eventually opened their account after 17 minutes, striking the post before converting and adding a well-taken free.

Donegal capitalised on Antrim’s inability to clear their half, with Malone and Jason McGee registering consecutive scores. Ryan McQuillan replied for Antrim, but Conor McCahill restored Donegal’s three-point advantage, leaving the visitors 0-7 to 0-3 ahead at the break.

Antrim started the second half positively with a free from McQuillan, but Donegal responded immediately with back-to-back points from Hugh McFadden.

Patrick McBride struck a fine score to reduce the deficit, but Malone added his third point to keep Donegal ahead.

In the 50th minute, Gallagher’s shot was saved but fell to Eoin McGeehin, who netted on his debut, with Muldoon adding another point to stretch the lead.

Late scores from Malone and Seanan Carr, including a beautiful two-point free, ensured Donegal finished strongly.