Derry's 2024 Junior Football Championship contenders preview

Derry’s Junior Football Championship draw was made on Tuesday night at Owenbeg. 

The two groups have been drawn, with seven teams in Group 1 and six in Group 2, with the top four from each group progressing to the quarterfinals. 

Three intermediate sides, Craigbane, Ballymaguigan, and Lissan, drop down to this championship, which would make them automatic favourites for the competition. 

Craigbane have been in fine form this season as they occupy fourth in the Intermediate division and will be the standout favourites to lift the trophy and add to their 2022 success.

Ballymaguigan will also be confident in their chances of success as they occupy eighth in their division.

However, Lissan have struggled this season as they occupy the relegation play-off spot with the threat of junior football looming over their shoulders for next season. 

Form is key to winning trophies, and this will be the argument from the top three in the junior division. 

Ballerin are pushing for the league title and are two wins away from lifting it, so they will be confident in their chances for the championship, their first since 2002. 

Slaughtmanus and Doire Trasna have only suffered one defeat each this campaign, and both sides will be confident their form will count for a lot as they look to win their second Junior Championship title.

The first round will throw in on July 26, with all sides hopeful of reaching the final on October 13.