Group Stage Results and Standings
The group stage of the competition featured a rigorous series of matches divided across three sections: A, B, and C. Teams competed to secure a spot in the semi-finals, with qualification determined by points and point ratios (PR), which measure the efficiency of scoring relative to points conceded.
Key Facts
- Donegal, Armagh, and Monaghan topped their respective groups.
- Derry qualified for the semi-finals as the top-ranked runner-up.
- The group stage took place between January 6 and January 15, 2022.
- A total of three sections were contested to determine the semi-finalists.
Section A Analysis
Section A saw a competitive battle between Donegal, Antrim, and Down. Donegal emerged as the group leader, securing their place in the semi-finals with 4 points.
The round of matches began on January 7, 2022, at MacCumhaill Park, where Donegal defeated Down with a score of 1-13 (16) to 2-08 (14). This was followed by a clash on January 11 at Páirc Esler, where Antrim beat Down 1-12 (15) to 1-10 (13). The section concluded on January 15 at Kelly Park, with Donegal defeating Antrim 0-15 (15) to 1-09 (12).
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Section B Analysis
Section B was dominated by Armagh, who finished first in the standings with 4 points. Cavan also showed strong form, finishing second with a high point ratio of 1.550.
The action started on January 6 at Breffni Park, where Armagh defeated Cavan 1-12 (15) to 0-11 (11). Cavan bounced back on January 11 at the same venue, defeating Tyrone 1-17 (20) to 0-05 (05). The final match of the section took place on January 15 at Healy Park, where Armagh beat Tyrone 2-15 (21) to 1-15 (18).
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Section C Analysis
Section C featured Monaghan, Derry, and Fermanagh. Monaghan claimed the top spot with 3 points, ensuring their advancement to the semi-finals.
The opening match on January 7 at the Derry GAA Centre of Excellence ended in a draw between Derry and Monaghan, both scoring 0-12 (12). On January 9, Monaghan secured a victory over Fermanagh at St Tiernach's Park with a score of 0-16 (16) to 0-11 (11). The section wrapped up on January 15 at Shamrock Park, where Derry defeated Fermanagh 0-17 (17) to 1-10 (13).
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Final Standings and Qualification
While the winners of each section automatically advanced, the final semi-final spot was decided by the ranking of the runners-up across all sections. Derry, finishing second in Section C, secured the final spot due to their superior standing among the second-place teams.
| Section | Winner | Points | Runner-up | Runner-up Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Donegal | 4 | Antrim | 2 |
| B | Armagh | 4 | Cavan | 2 |
| C | Monaghan | 3 | Derry | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which teams automatically advanced to the semi-finals?
The winners of the three sections—Donegal (Section A), Armagh (Section B), and Monaghan (Section C)—automatically advanced to the semi-finals.
How was the fourth semi-finalist determined?
The fourth spot was awarded to the best-performing runner-up across the three sections. Derry, the runner-up from Section C, earned this qualification.
Who had the highest point ratio among the runners-up?
Cavan had the highest point ratio among the runners-up with a PR of 1.550, although Derry ultimately ranked higher in the qualification standings.
When did the group stage matches take place?
The matches were played between January 6, 2022, and January 15, 2022.
Which referee officiated the final match in Section B?
The match between Tyrone and Armagh on January 15 was officiated by referee Paul Faloon from Down.