All-Ireland kings Derry aim to hit ground running in Ulster Minor series

The Oak Leaf side will pit their skills against Cavan at Owenbeg (1.00pm) conscious that they can take nothing for granted given the infusion of fresh talent which has been beginning to make its presence felt in the Breffni side.

The fact that Derry still have a handful of players on duty from 2023 will bolster their challenge with James Sargent, Chris McCullagh, Ger Dillon and Dylan Rocks expected to be among their key players.

Derry’s pace allied to their ability to transform defence quickly into attack could prove salient factors against a Cavan outfit who might find the going tough on the demanding acres of Owenbeg.

Meanwhile, Tyrone will face Down at Errigal Ciaran (12.00pm) with several players capable of bolstering the side in what will be a concerted bid for honours. Manager Gerard Donnelly has left no stone unturned in his preparations for this test and he can look to James Concannon, Liam McGeary, Peter Colton, Padraig Goodman and Padraig Donaghy to spark his team’s challenge.

Former Down ace Benny Coulter is in charge of the Mourne County side and it’s hardly surprising to learn that they have been showing their finishing skills of late although the Tyrone defence might well make life difficult for them.

Armagh, meanwhile, will have home advantage against Antrim at Crossmaglen (12.00pm) where they will hope to trim the sails of their visitors.

The Orchard County have made steady progress but will need to step up another gear if they are to progress on the provincial front. In Eoin Duffy and Diarmuid O’Rourke they appear to have two competent finishers but much will depend on the service they receive.

The Armagh under-age talent has been highlighted in challenge matches lately and could come good against the Saffrons.

For their part, Antrim are likely to look to Liam McLernon, Cormac Trainor, Daire Higgins, Michael McKenna and Fiontan Hardy to stoke their fire. These are players who have shown that they can face up to a challenge and that is something that will assuredly be demanded of them this afternoon when the heat is on.

Fermanagh, meanwhile, will host Donegal at Donagh (12.00pm) with both sides leaning on a raft of fresh talent. The Erne outfit have unearthed several players who have come to the fore of late while Donegal are a strong, physical side who are keen to make an impact.