Mickey Harte's Tyrone progress in McKenna Cup

Antrim secured a semi-final berth, while there were also wins for Tyrone, Down and Derry in the Dr McKenna Cup this afternoon.

A first-half goal from Mark Sweeney helped Antrim to a 1-12 to 0-12 win over Armagh at the new look Athletic Grounds. Sweeney netted the only goal of the contest in the sixth minute, and the Saffrons were 1-5 to 0-5 ahead at the interval.

Points from Conor Clarke and Rory Grugan cut Antrim's lead to the minimum early in the second half, but scores from Paddy Cunningham, Kevin Niblock (0-3) and CJ McGourty (0-4) paved the way for an Antrim win.

Meanwhile, a goal also proved to be the vital score at Edendork where Tyrone ran out 1-13 to 0-13 winners over Donegal in their first game of the season.

It was an emotional day at the venue, with a minute's silence being observed in memory of Tyrone manager Mickey Harte's late daughter Michaela. When the action got underway, a Mark Donnelly goal gave Tyrone an early 1-6 to 0-2 lead.

However, Donegal moved ahead for half-time, thanks to a run of eight unanswered points.

Colm Cavanagh was dismissed for the Red Hands, and Donegal defender Neil McGee followed him before Tyrone took over on the restart. Ryan McMenamin, Brian McGuigan and Aidan Cassidy were among their second half scorers.

At Pairc Esler in Newry, John Clarke scored a goal in each half as Down gained a comprehensive 2-13 to 0-6 victory over St Mary's.

Despite being without John's brother Marty, the hosts continued their excellent form of recent weeks with a strong display against the Sigerson Cup contenders.

Mark Poland led the charge as top scorer with eight points, and James McCartan's side never looked troubled.

Clarke's first goal helped the Mourne County outfit take a 1-8 to 0-3 interval lead. He added a second 'major' on the restart, with St Mary's unable to mount a comeback as Down mustered their second win of the campaign.

This 13-point defeat - the third loss on the trot for Paddy Tally's side - ended the students' interest in the Ulster competition.

Derry put determined second half performance when breaking clear of Monaghan for a 1-21 to 1-12 triumph.

John Brennan's side only led by 0-8 to 0-7 at half-time but dug deep on the restart. Conleth Gilligan hit 1-6 for the Oak Leafers, including a 50th minute goal, while Paddy Bradley notched 0-7. Monaghan goaled through John Duffy in the 56th minute.

Meanwhile, in the last of the day's game on the 3G pitch at Kingspan Breffni Park, UUJ and Fermanagh drew 1-12 to 0-15. Hugh Brady's late point got the Ernesiders back on terms, in what was new manager John O'Neill's first game at the helm.