By Michael McMullan

THE draw has been made for this year’s Ulster Minor Football Tournament with hosts St Paul’s in the competition for the first time in 30 years.

They will face the Tyrone champions in the preliminary round.

The competition will again be played at u-17 level with Tyrone and Armagh – who operate with the even number age groups of u-16 and u-18 – represented by their u-18 winners.

2023 Ulster Minor Club Tournament Draw Reaction..

From tonight in Belfast with Callum from @FourMastersCLG, Cahir from @RossaGaelsDerry, Damien from @BlayneyFaughs, Sean from @clannagael1922, Oisin from @naomhmolaise, Ed from @cavangaels_ and Francie from @MayobridgeGAC.. pic.twitter.com/m5mC5NBpfN

— Jerome Quinn (@JeromeQuinn) October 30, 2023

It will mean that Clan na Gael, the Armagh champions, and whoever emerges from Tyrone won’t be able to call on their players in the last year of u-18.

The Red Hand County are only at the semi-final stage of their competition, with Cookstown, Eglish, Donaghmore and the winners of the replay between Trillick and Dromore left in the hat.

Dates are yet to be confirmed.

Preliminary Round (Sunday, December 10 – Shaw’s Road 1pm)
St Paul’s v Tyrone champions

Quarter Finals
1 – Four Masters v Magherafelt – Saturday, December 9 Sportlann 5pm
2 – Clan na Gael v Castleblayney – Saturday, December 9 Sportlann 1pm
3 – Irvinestown v Cavan Gaels – Saturday, December 16 Sportlann 5pm
4 – Mayobridge v Prelim winners – Saturday, December 16 Shaw’s Road 1pm

Semi Finals
1 v 2 – Sunday, December 17 Shaw’s Road 1pm
3 v 4 – Tuesday, December 26 Shaw’s Road 1pm

Final (Monday, January 1 – Shaw’s Road 1pm)