Laois hope to bounce back against Fermanagh

By Peter O’ Dwyer

Following their impressive outing against Dublin yesterday, Laois have today been drawn to face Fermanagh in the first round of this year’s All-Ireland qualifiers.

The O’ Moore County were eventually brushed aside by the reigning Champions in a second-half blitz, but will take confidence from leading at the break and must fancy themselves against a Fermanagh side who surprisingly lost to Antrim last week.

Elsewhere, Derry will take on Longford on June 21, with Wicklow facing Offaly, and Limerick taking on London.

Despite their impressive league campaign, the prospect of facing the Leinster side is sure to be a worrying one for Derry fans having already come out second best in the qualifiers against the same opposition in both 2006 and 2012.

The following week, a tricky away tie with Louth awaits the loser of Monaghan and Tyrone who will contest the Ulster quarter-final on June 15.

Cavan will look to get their campaign back on track after a disappointing loss to Armagh at the Athletic Grounds when they take on Westmeath and Down will fancy their chances against Leitrim on the same day.

The final match-up is yet to be confirmed with the losers of the Munster semi-final between Clare and Waterford, and the meeting in Leinster of Carlow and Meath yet to be decided.

The draw was made this morning on RTÉ Radio 1 in the presence of GAA President Liam O’ Neill.

It is the first time the new qualifier format has been used, with two draws taking place and teams separated based on when they exited their provincial championships.

The GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) will confirm the times, dates and venues for all matches.

All-Ireland Football Qualifiers Round 1A Draw:

Derry v Longford

Laois v Fermanagh

Limerick v London

Wicklow v Offaly

Games to be played June 21.

All-Ireland Football Qualifiers Round 1B Draw:

Louth v Monaghan/Tyrone

Cavan v Westmeath

Carlow/Meath v Clare/Waterford

Down v Leitrim

Games to be played June 28.