Derry bow out of Dr McKenna Cup

Holders Derry bowed out of the Dr McKenna Cup on Wednesday night following a 1-18 to 1-16 defeat to Donegal at Celtic Park.

Jim McGuinness' side will now face Monaghan in the decider on Saturday after the Farney men overcame Tyrone in their semi-final.

In truth, losing is not the end of the world for Ciaran Meenagh's Oak Leafers whose concentration is fixed firmly on their opening National League Division Two encounter against Meath in Croke Park next weekend.

Derry started well against their neighbours and three points apiece from Niall Loughlin and Lachlan Murray helped give them a 0-10 to 0-7 lead at half-time.

But the visitors upped their game after the break, aided by the introduction of some big-name subs, and they dominated the scoring in the second half.

A goal from man of the match Daire O'Baoill had them in a commanding position before Ryan Mulholland struck late for a consolation goal late on.

So, it's Donegal to progress to the final with manager Jim McGuinness indicating that he will shuffle his pack with the start of the league just a week away.

For Derry boss Meenagh and his backroom staff, they can use the next week to hone plans for their first trip of the year to Croke Park.

Let's hope it won't be their last.