SFC draw sees big teams avoid each other

Most of the big guns have avoided each other in the opening round of the 2008 GAA All-Ireland SFC qualifiers after this evening's draw at Croke Park.

Last year's beaten Ulster finalists Monaghan and reigning league champions Derry provide the tie of the round, with this all-Ulster clash taking place at Clones on Saturday July 19.

Beaten Leinster semi-finalists Westmeath face an away trip to Tipperary, while their fellow penultimate round losers Laois face a stiffer test against Longford at Pearse Park.

Kieran McGeeney will be eager to bounce back from his side's disappointing Leinster Championship defeat to Wicklow, when Cavan are the visitors to St Conleth's Park in Newbridge.

Last year Cavan manager Donal Keoghan lost both Seanie Johnston and Paul Brady after his sides exit from the Ulster SFC, with both players going to America for the Summer.

Elsewhere Limerick host Meath, Down travel to Tullamore to take on Offaly while Donegal host Roscommon.

Louth were drawn first against last year's Ulster Champions Tyrone, but it is as yet unclear whether or not this game will take place on Louth soil, and a decision will be made in the coming days by the GAA's Central Competitions Control Committee in relation to this fixture.

Meanwhile the draw for the Tommy Murphy Cup has also taken place with reigning champions Wicklow facing Waterford in a home tie at Aughrim, while last year's beaten finalists Antrim host Carlow at Casement Park.

Kilkenny and London will kick off the competition with a Preliminary Round tie on July 12.

All-Ireland SFC qualifiers 2008 - Round One (Games to take place on July 19, first named teams have a home venue):

Limerick v Meath

Longford v Laois

Kildare v Cavan

Offaly v Down

Louth v Tyrone*

Tipperary v Westmeath

Donegal v Roscommon

Monaghan v Derry

*CCCC to decide on venue for Louth/Tyrone

Tommy Murphy Cup Preliminary Round draw (July 12, first named team has home venue):

Kilkenny v London

Tommy Murphy Cup quarter-final draw (July 12, first named team has home venue):

Kilkenny/London v Sligo

Antrim v Carlow

Clare v Leitrim

Wicklow v Waterford.