Ulster GAA's Dr McKenna Cup returns for 2026

The Dr McKenna Cup, as well as the Conor McGurk Cup, have been backed with the other provinces set to decide on whether to reinstate theirs in the near future

Then Derry manager Mickey Harte speaks to his team before the Bank of Ireland Dr McKenna Cup Group B match between Derry and Down. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Ulster GAA have confirmed the return of the province's pre-season football competition, the Dr McKenna Cup, for 2026. 

The competition, along with the other pre-season tournaments, did not run last year due to concerns surrounding player welfare.