The McKenna Cup will return to Ulster GAA next year and it's understood that other provinces are also close to marking the return of some pre-season competitions.
At a meeting of the province's Central Competitions Control Committee tonight it was decided to restore the pre-season football competition – along with the Conor McGuirk Cup in hurling.
The McKenna Cup, along with other pre-season competitions across the provinces was dropped in 2025, but there was expectation in Ulster that the popular football pre-season competition would return after a review at a recent meeting of the GAA's Central Council.
Tonight, Ulster GAA delegates gave their unanimous backing to the return of pre-season fare.
Next year, incidentally, will mark the 100th anniversary of the McKenna Cup's inception.
Ulster GAA estimates that it could have lost in the region of £300,000 from the cup's absence this season
Munster GAA officials are said to be canvassing counties before deciding upon the return of the Munster Senior Hurling League and other competitions.
Meanwhile, in Leinster, it is expected that the O’Byrne and Walsh Cups could also return.
The Gaelic Players Association is likely to react to this development.
The GPA has argued that pre-season competitions prioritise finances over player welfare, increase burnout, and violate their recommended "No Contact November" policy, which demands at least a six-week preparation period before competitive games.
The GPA policy on this matter was at odds with some counties and GAA officials, who sought the return of such tournaments after a one year hiatus.
It was counter-argued that the competitions raised finances for provinces and allowed for player preparation.
Earlier this year, Connacht GAA CEO John Prenty stated that without the FBD League, his provincial council lost in the region of €100,000 through gate receipts and sponsorship.
The return of pre-season action comes at a time when debates are being held about tweaks to the GAA's inter-county fixture calendar.
