Dr McKenna Cup: Report round up

Section A:

UUJ 2-13 Antrim 1-7, Casement Park

Cavan 0-7 Tyrone 3-14, Kingspan Breffni Park

Section B:

Queen’s University v Derry, Maghera – POSTPONED

Armagh 1-6 Down 1-3, Crossmaglen

Section C:

Monaghan 0-8 St Mary’s 0-7, Clones

Donegal 0-8 Fermanagh 0-8, Ballyshannon

Dr McKenna Cup holders Tyrone began their 2005 season in style at Kingspan Breffni Park this afternoon, as they dismissed a depleted Cavan side 3-14 to 0-7.

Enda McGinley, Stephen O'Neill and Martin Penrose - one of a number of newcomers on Mickey Harte's side - struck for the visitors as they ran riot in their Section A opener.

Cavan, boasting just three of 2004's Championship side, had Peter Reilly sent off in the second half for striking.

In Clones, new Monaghan boss Seamus McEnaney got his reign off to a winning start despite JP Mone's first half red card.

Damien Freeman was in fine form as Rory Woods top-scored with four points in their 0-8 to 0-7 Section C win over St Mary's.

Antrim's Mickey Culbert was not so lucky at Casement Park as his first competitive game in charge of the Saffrons ended in a disappointing 1-7 to 2-13 loss to the University of Ulster Jordanstown.

The students, 1-6 to 0-2 in front at the break thanks to Rory Convery's goal, swept to victory with Colm Devlin also hitting the Antrim net.

27-year-old forward Kevin Madden, the most experienced Antrim player on the field with seven newcomers around him, goaled in the closing stages.

Ballyshannon saw the return of both Raymie and Rory Gallagher in Fermanagh colours as they drew 0-8 apiece with hosts Donegal.

The latter came on as a second half substitute in a dour draw - the sides having been level at 0-4 to 0-4 at the interval.

With Derry's clash with Queen's University called off due to an unplayable pitch in Maghera, the only Section B game down for decision saw an under-strength Armagh 1-6 to 1-3 winners over Down.

Joe Kernan's side were minus the likes of goalkeeper Paul Hearty, defender Francie Bellew and free-taker Oisin McConville due to Crossmaglen's continuing All-Ireland Club run, and also missed the services of skipper Kieran McGeeney and Paddy McKeever, both of whom are on holidays.

With that, it was left to newcomer Barry Murray - the 1-5 hero in the TG4 Underdogs' win over Kerry last month - to strike a debut goal as the Orchard side overcame a 0-3 to 1-1 half time deficit.