Martin McAviney offers to mediate McKenna Cup disputes

Ulster Council president Martin McAviney last night volunteered his services as mediator in any disputes over players for the Dr McKenna Cup.

The competition has been badly affected by controversy over access to county players who are also involved with university teams.

“I will be available to get involved as mediator,” McAviney said during the official launch of the 2016 competition in Belfast.

“But there’s no point in me getting involved unless that cooperation is there.

“We want to have the co-operation which we had last year, and I would ask for that to continue.”

Three years ago, Queen’s University withdrew from the McKenna Cup as a result of claims made on players by county managers.

St Mary’s and Ulster University have also threatened to opt out in recent seasons, frustrated by unavailability of key players.

Since the college sides became involved in the Dr McKenna Cup, they have been given first call on players, but that guideline has not been adhered to by several of the counties.

Tyrone, will be bidding for a fifth successive title when the 2016 series gets under way on January 3.

The competition will be run off within the month of January, and fixtures will be confirmed at a meeting of the Ulster Council on Tuesday evening.

Section A: Queen’s Univesity, Antrim, Derry, Tyrone

Section B: St Mary;’s, Donegal, Fermanagh, Down

Section C: Ulster University, Cavan, Armagh, Monaghan

Semi-finals:

Section B winner v Section A winner

Best runner-up v Section C winner