Bank of Ireland Dr. McKenna Cup Section C

Fermanagh v Monaghan, Wednesday, 8.00, Enniskillen

Monaghan start their Dr. McKenna Cup campaign with a local derby against Fermanagh at Brewster Park on Wednesday night.

Malachy O’Rourke has named a fairly inexperienced side, with Cremartin’s Barry Kerr and Páraic McGuirk of Seán McDermotts in line to make debuts in the defence. Inter-county senior rookies David Garland (Donaghmoyne) and James Wilson (Toome) were set to get a chance in the full-forward line, either side of Clones native Darren Freeman. Clontibret’s Conor Boyle and Truagh duo John McCarron and Paudie McKenna were also set for a return to the county team after playing no part in 2017. Among the subs are Doohamlet forward Barry McBennett, Killanny youngster Dean Connolly, Scotstown defender Damien McArdle, versatile duo Colm Lennon (Ballybay) and Frank Connolly (Toome) and Donaghmoyne goalkeeper Shane Garland.

Tonight’s game is Fermanagh’s first under the guidance of Rory Gallagher, who has taken charge of his native county after his term in Donegal. * Competition Tickets can be bought outside the Brewster Park turnstiles for €25 – giving entry to all three group games, plus semi-finals and final.

Monaghan: Rory Beggan; John McCarron, Conor Boyle, Barry Kerr; Kieran Duffy, Páraic McGuirk, Stephen Finnegan; Niall Kearns, Neil McAdam; Owen Duffy, Micheál Bannigan, Paudie McKenna; David Garland, Darren Freeman, James Wilson.

Subs: Shane Garland, Owen Coyle, Damien McArdle, Karl O’Connell, Frank Connolly, Colm Lennon, Fintan Kelly, Karl McQuaid, Darren Hughes, Barry McBennett, Dean Connolly.