Galway at home in hurling qualifiers

Galway senior hurlers will have a home venue for their All-Ireland SHC qualifier meeting against Laois next Saturday.

Ger Loughnane's men were awarded home advantage at Pearse Stadium, following the draw which was made by GAA president Nickey Brennan live on TV3 this evening.

Laois hurling is in turmoil at present following the departure of Damian Fox as their manager earlier this week, and the Salthill showdown will be a first outing for Niall Rigney as interim boss.

Meanwhile, Waterford hurlers get their campaign back on track with a home tie against Antrim at Walsh Park. The Déise crashed out of the Munster Championship following their semi-final loss to Clare, and under new manager Davy Fitzgerald they will be hoping to produce a positive result against the Ulster Champions.

Elsewhere the draws were also made for Round 3 of the All-Ireland SHC qualifiers with beaten Leinster semi-finalists Dublin and Offaly both facing into away ties.

Cork will welcome Tommy Naughton's charges to Leeside while Offaly will travel to Limerick's Gaelic Grounds, with both games to take place on Saturday July 12.

All-Ireland SHC qualifiers Round 2 (Throw in times to be announced by the GAA tomorrow morning, first named teams at home venue):

Galway v Laois - Saturday July 5

Waterford v Antrim - Saturday July 5

All-Ireland SHC qualifiers Round 2 (First named teams at home venue):

Cork v Dublin - Saturday July 12

Limerick v Offaly - Saturday July 12.