The launch of the Paul McGirr Ulster U16 Club Championship in association with MFC Sports took place in Garvaghye last Friday evening before a large attendance, as excitement builds for the start of one of the GAA’s leading underage tournaments.

Ulster GAA president Ciaran McLaughlin was among the guest speakers in attendance and said the tournament has gone from strength to strength.

He also praised its links with the Spirit Of Paul McGirr Trust and all the work it does for underprivileged children in Lusaka, Zambia, making it have a special place in the Ulster GAA calendar.

The tournament that first started in 1999 comprises the winners of the U16 championships in all ninne Ulster counties and is renowned for being the springboard for the careers of some of the leading Ulster GAA players,

2023 All Ireland winners Rian O’Neill, Oisin O’Neill, Conor Turbitt, Barry McCambridge, Tiernan Kelly, Tyrone’s Darragh Canavan and Derry’s Conor Glass are just some of those that first rose to prominence on the provincial scene in the Gardrum Park Dromore in recent years.

Reigning champions Dromintee return to defend their title this year as Armagh champions but they will face formidable opposition as they seek to defend their crown. The draw completed by Ulster President McLaughlin and Tyrone County Chairman Martin Sludden was as follows:

Preliminary Round

Burren (Down) v Newtownbutler (Fermanagh)

Quarter Finals

Magherafelt O’Donovan Rossa v Donaghmoyne (Monaghan)

Roger Casements Portglenone (Antrim) v Four Masters (Donegal)

Carrickmore (Tyrone) v Denn (Cavan)

Dromintee (Armagh) v Preliminary Round Winners

Action gets underway this coming Sunday (17^th) with the first two quarter finals.