Former Armagh team-mates to meet again in qualifiers
The game, which is almost certain to be held in Portlaoise given that Laois have home advantage, will see McGeeney face off against his former Armagh teammate and current Laois boss Justin McNulty.
The sides met earlier this season in Division Two of the league with Kildare triumphing by 1-13 to 1-11 in the clash in Newbridge in March.
“Good man Justy”, remarked McGeeney when informed of the draw after yesterday’s game in Croke Park.
“It doesn’t make any difference who you get. They’re all good teams.”
McGeeney rejected suggestions that the qualifier route will now be more to Kildare’s liking due to the knockout element of the games.
“No. You say they didn’t want to win today’s game as much as they’ll want to win in two weeks’ time?
“No. It doesn’t work like that. There are conspiracy theories out there about wanting to take the qualifier route but players only know one way — straight ahead.”
Kildare defender Aindriú Mac Lochlainn echoed the thoughts of his manager.
“We’re looking forward to it. Leinster is gone now and we’re looking ahead to the next game.”
The other headline clash of yesterday evening’s draw is the meeting of Meath and
Galway, with Seamus McEnaney’s men set to have home advantage for that tie.
Tomás Ó Flatharta’s Galway side must pick themselves up from the disappointment of yesterday’s Connacht SFC semi-final defeat to Mayo for what will be the first championship clash between the counties since the 2007 qualifier match in Portlaoise when Meath won 2-14 to 1-14.
London, who celebrated their first senior championship victory in 34 years on Saturday against Fermanagh, will have home advantage in Ruislip once more for their assignment against Waterford.
Déise boss John Owens is predicting a difficult game against opponents he expects will be high on confidence.
“The big thing is that they’ll be a completely different proposition to the team that we’ve faced in the league over the last few years,” he said. “I think they’ll look at Waterford as a favourable draw for them since they’ll be at home. But we’ll have plenty motivation to improve our performance, particularly after the defeat we suffered in Páirc Uí Chaoimh against Cork.”
In the other games, history will be made when Longford and Tyrone go head to head for the first time in championship football.
Limerick will have home advantage against Offaly while Down will entertain Leitrim. Mick O’Dwyer’s Wicklow face a trip to Armagh while Luke Dempsey’s Carlow side visit Antrim.
Times and venues for all games will be finalised today.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
