Donegal may quit McKenna Cup if McGuinness can’t pick students

Jim McGuinness has said Donegal will consider their participation in the Dr McKenna Cup next year if third level colleges continue to have first option on inter-county players.

The Donegal manager holds little affection for the Ulster season opener and his record in the competition shows five defeats from six, with the only win last January against UUJ in his first game in charge.

On the other hand, in league and championship, his side lost just twice last year in 14 games, an insignificant reversal against Laois in Portlaoise when Donegal had already sealed a place in the NFL Division 2 final and a two-point defeat to Dublin in the All-Ireland semi-final in August.