John Maughan: North-South Tailteann Cup split not good for the competition 

John Maughan, Manager Offaly Senior Football Team. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

The lack of an open draw in the first round of the Tailteann Cup detracts from the competition, says Offaly manager John Maughan.

As his assistant Tomás Ó Se also aired his grievances with the promotion of the new secondary championship in which Offaly are due to be drawn on Monday, Maughan has questioned the need for the north-south split in the first round. A preliminary round, which is not geographically based, will be required if both or one of Tipperary and Westmeath win their respective provincial semi-finals this weekend.