Joe Kernan appointed McKenna Cup mediator for 2014 competition

Joe Kernan will act as a mediator ahead of the Dr McKenna Cup in January in an effort to head off college versus country disputes.

Queen's pulled out this year as they were set to lose a number of their players to county squads.

They will be involved in January where their Section A opposition will be holders Tyrone, Donegal and Armagh.

Derry, Fermanagh, Monaghan and St Mary's are in Section B with UUJ, Cavan, Antrim and Down in Section C.

The Ulster competition will begin on Sunday 5 January and will run through to the final on 25 January.

A midweek round is planned for Wednesday 15 January.