By Michael McMullan

THE draw for the Ulster minor championship has paired Donegal champions Four Masters with the Fermanagh champions in the preliminary round.

Four Masters were winners over the Glenswilly in the county final last week and await the winners of the unfinished competition in Fermanagh.

Favourites Irvinestown play St Oliver Plunkett’s (a Coa/Ederney combination) in the semi-final this weekend, while Derrygonnelly and Newtownbutler must meet again after Saturday’s draw.

Cleenish (Belnaleck/Belcoo) away the winners of the replay.

The competition, hosted by Antrim club St Paul’s, begins on the weekend of December 10/11

Lavey are the current holders, but were unable to defend their title after the 2020 competition was called off due to Covid-19.

Dungiven – champions in 1990 – are bidding to maintain the impressive record in the competition with 17 titles in all.

Glen and Ballinderry (four) lead the roll of honour, with Burren – winners over Kilrea in 2017 – the only former winner to have qualified.

Preliminary Round
Fermanagh champions v Four Masters
Quarter-finals
Dungiven v Ramor United
Burren v St Brigid’s
Scotstown v Donaghmore
Clan na nGael v Preliminary winners

Burren’s win over Kilrea (Credit: Jerome Quinn Media)