The Monaghan panel for the 2012 Dr. McKenna Cup includes six newcomers alongside a crop of established players

New to the panel are Tyholland duo Ronan McNally and Karl O’Connell, Drumhowan forward David Millar, and midfielders Thomas O’Neill (Ballybay), Ciarán Daly (Donaghmoyne) and James Bellew (Emyvale). Another man who can play i lár na páirce is Inniskeen’s Matthew McKenna, who returns after missing out through injury last year, while Scotstown goalkeeper Rory Beggan will hope to get a first competitive start after he was called up during last year’s league as back-up to Mark Keogh. 13 clubs have players on the 26-man panel, with Latton, Scotstown and Ballybay each providing four.

A number of Monaghan players will be in action with college teams in pre-season competitions, including Colin Walshe and David Hughes with DIT, Neil McAdam, Kieran Hughes, Daniel McKenna and Dessie Mone with UUJ and Pete Dooney and Jack McCarron with DCU. Other notable absentees are Dick Clerkin, who is preparing for his wedding, Conor McManus, who is recovering from injury, Tommy Freeman, Gavin Doogan and Colum Greenan.

Scotstown star Darren Hughes, fresh from representing Ireland in November’s International Rules in Australia, has been named as captain for the McKenna Cup. Monaghan start their campaign at home to St. Mary’s College on Sunday 8, before hosting Down a week later and travelling to Armagh on Wednesday, January 18.

Monaghan Dr. McKenna Cup Panel 2012: Paul Finlay, Christopher McGuinness, Thomas O’Neill, Drew Wylie (Ballybay); Kieran Duffy, Owen Duffy, Owen Lennon, Bernard O’Brien (Latton); Darren Hughes (Capt.), Rory Beggan, Donal Morgan, James Turley (Scotstown); Mark Downey, Stephen Gollogly (Carrickmacross); Ciarán Hanratty, Dermot Malone (Castleblayney); Conor Galligan, Shane Smyth (Monaghan Harps); Ronan McNally, Karl O’Connell (Tyholland); Vincent Corey (Clontibret); Ciarán Daly (Donaghmoyne); David Millar (Drumhowan); James Bellew (Emyvale); Matthew McKenna (Inniskeen); Mark Keogh (Seán McDermotts).