Ulster Council officials are predicting that the Gaelic Life Dr McKenna Cup competition, which swings into action this weekend, could provide the platform for a possible hat-trick of National League titles for the province.

It was under the baton of Brian McIver that Donegal captured the League prize in 2007 and Derry ensured the silverware remained in the province when they overcame Kerry in last year’s decider.

Now there is optimism that an Ulster team can again be crowned League champions — and with good reason.

Council spokesman Michael Hasson says: “I know I am speaking for my fellow officers in the Ulster Council when I say that since the arrival of the university sides in the Gaelic Life McKenna Cup and the introduction of floodlit games, the competition has assumed added status.

“In consequence, the matches have become more keenly-contested and meaningful and it is no coincidence that the tournament has provided the impetus for both Donegal and Derry to subsequently go on and succeed at national level.”

The fact that university sides have first call on county players who are on their books may not currently meet with the approval of several Ulster team bosses but Hasson points to the fact that they can ultimately be the beneficiaries of this ruling.

“When you think about it, all the county squads that have been confirmed for the competition do not contain the relevant players required by their universities but this in essence means that as many as perhaps 40 players from a given county could see action which will surely offer food for thought for any manager,” suggests Hasson.

And the allure of floodlit games has added a fresh dimension to the competition, he feels.

“The fact that people can now watch floodlit games from the relative comfort of a covered stand seat is very important. Getting people to leave their firesides on winter evenings is not easy and we have been working hard to ensure that better facilities are on offer,” points out Hasson.

Last year’s Down v Derry final — won by the Mourne side — proved a lively affair at Casement Park and plans are in the pipeline to make this year’s decider a gala affair.

“The final will be under lights and while some people will decry the importance of the McKenna Cup, nonetheless the enthusiastic manner in which teams are approaching the competition, notwithstanding the fact that they have been unable to train collectively for two months, shows their determination to hit the ground running.

“That the National League trophy has come to rest in the province for the last two years underlines that an encouraging start and the opportunity to acquire a settled, cohesive side can prove invaluable,” adds Hasson.