The 2026 Derry senior football championship gets underway this evening (Thursday) when Faughnvale take on Lavey.

Owenbeg is set to play host to all of this weekend’s first round ties in the race John McLaughlin Cup, including its opener which throws in at 7.30pm this evening.

Defending champions Newbridge begin their title defence against Kilrea tomorrow evening (7.30pm) as they go in chase of a third successive crown in the Oak Leaf County.

On Saturday, Glenullin face The Loup (4.30pm) before Steelstown meet Swatragh (6.15pm), with four games on the schedule for Sunday.

First up is 21-time champions Bellaghy versus Dungiven at noon, which will be followed by the clash of 2023 winners Glen and Banagher (1.45pm). The later games on Sunday see Ballinderry and Ballinascreen crossing swords at 4.15pm before Slaughtneil and Magherafelt battle it out at 6pm.

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