Down host Derry in a repeat of last season's Ulster U20 final while Tyrone are strong favourites to make a winning start against Antrim with Fermanagh at home to Armagh
LIVE score updates from Ulster U20 Football Championship first round: Down vs Derry, Antrim vs Tyrone and Fermanagh vs Armagh
However, Derry are expected to be among the main challengers for the Ulster title this year and have drafted in a handful of last season’s All-Ireland winning U17s, including captain Fionn McEldowney and star forward Johnny McGuckian, who was last season’s Minor Footballer of the Year. Niall Jackman’s Antrim are huge underdogs this afternoon, but the Saffrons have a history of making life difficult for fancied teams and captain Cahir Donnelly from county champions Cargin is one of the best young players in the county.
Derry boss Hugh McGrath stated: “I think it suits the players and it gives everyone a chance to get up and running. It is an age group where you are trying to merge players who are just out of U17 with boys that have been about a while. Some boys are still involved with schools and some with third level competitions.“Having those few games in the group stages gives you a chance to figure out where you are through competitive games.
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