The 2009 Dr McKenna Cup was a Gaelic football competition played under the auspices of Ulster GAA. The tournament was won by Donegal, their first McKenna title since 1991. They defeated Queen's in the final, after extra-time, with goals from David Walsh and Ryan Bradley.[1] Donegal were captained by Rory Kavanagh.[2] Queen's had earlier knocked out title holders Down with a six-point win.[3] They were also the first university side to reach the final.[4]
Format
A group-based format was used, with the twelve teams divided into three groups of four. Each group included a University team, and three inter-county teams. Each team played three matches, with two points acquired for a win, one for a draw, and no points for a loss. The winner of each group, plus the best runner-up, qualified for the semi-finals, and the winners of the semi-finals played each other in the Final at Casement Park in February.[5]
format was used, with the twelve teams div
Draw
The draw for the 2009 McKenna Cup was made in the Armagh City Hotel, Armagh on Wednesday 11 November 2008.[6] The competition will start on the weekend of 3 and 4 January 2009.[6] In addition to weekend matches, some games will be played midweek, so the competition is completed before the start of the 2009 National League in early February.[7] Television broadcaster TG4 has pledged to screen a minimum of four live games from the competition.[6] The winners of Group B will play the winners of Group C in the semi-finals, while the Group A winners will face the best runners-up of the three groups.[6]
