ARMAGH and Donegal’s meeting in front of the live TV cameras in Crossmaglen may be the standout fixture in the opening round of All-Ireland football qualifiers but further intrigue lies elsewhere.

Cork senior hurlers have been given a major boost ahead of their GAA All-Ireland SHC phase three qualifier on July 18, with the return of two-time All-Ireland winner Brian Murphy to the squad.

The sole disappointment emanating from the Kilkenny dressing room after last Sunday's GAA All-Ireland SHC victory over Waterford was the injury sustained by Martin Comerford, which may leave him on the sidelines for more than two months.

OVERNIGHT, the elimination of Galway meant the race for the Liam McCarthy Cup took an unexpected turn because of the dramatic upsurge in Cork’s form, even if it was the dismissal of Donal Óg Cusack which largely inspired a remarkable second-half display in Semple Stadium last Saturday.

Dungarvan midfielder Jamie Nagle will make his senior championship debut for Waterford against Offaly in tomorrow's GAA All-Ireland SHC qualifier at Semple Stadium, throw-in 5pm.