The return of the pre-season tournaments has been welcomed by the majority of intercounty managers including Monaghan's Gabriel Bannigan. His side are unbeaten as they prepare for the Bank of Ireland Dr Mc Kenna cup semi final tomorrow evening (Wednesday) against Tyrone in Paric Gratten Inniskeen at 7:30. Wins over Cavan and Fermanagh have seen the farney side into the last 4 with a number of senior debuts been handed out over both fixtures. Speaking after their win over the Ernesiders on Sunday past, Gabriel remarked it was all about getting playing minutes for the panel ahead of the commencement of the Allianz league
Elsewhere in the pre-season tournaments, Galway and Mayo will contest the FBD cup final on Sunday at 1pm at Tuam stadium. While in the O'Byrne cup St Conleths Park in Newbridge has been confirmed as the venue for that decider on Friday evening with Kildare taking on Westmeath at 7:30.
