(Saturday)
Louth v Offaly (Navan, 6.15, Network 2) - No easy task for Offaly, trying to revive the spirits six days after that gut-wrenching loss in Croke Park. Colm Quinn's probable absence hardly helps the equation. Louth have been waiting since May 7th to right their sub-standard show against Longford. The severe disruption of their league carried through to that match, when they failed to score for almost 30 minutes, managing a meagre two points in the second half. It is doubtful that the month of training and first-round qualifier win over Tipperary will have sharpened them to any great degree.
But they will be fresher than Offaly. Haunting as the late, squandered chances against Dublin may be, they can take consolation at having registered eight different scorers in that match. Louth, too, have dangerous forwards in JP Rooney and Mark Stanfield, but nothing that Offaly's defence can't absorb. If the effect of the Dublin loss is to wither Offaly, then they could be soundly beaten. The more likely consequence is that they will arrive in Navan eager to find an outlet for a keen sense of injustice and advance to the third round.
Antrim v Derry (Casement Park, 7.0) - These two teams have quietly stoked up an intense rivalry over the past two seasons and Derry will not relish this visit east after getting it tough from Antrim in Celtic Park at the beginning of the month. Eamonn Coleman's main problem is framed around a half-forward line that has been ineffective. Derry's midfield are, even on poor days, competitive and, against Tyrone, Derry learned of the fatal consequences of playing attackers too deeply. Those flaring blunders for the three goals aside, the Derry back six contained Tyrone quite well. What they need is forwards to aid the burden shouldered by Paddy Bradley and Enda Muldoon. Big Muldoon also requires a more steady supply.
A big evening this for Antrim. Ordinary against Leitrim, they have been over-reliant on Paddy Logan for scores this year and will have to be more creative against Derry. Coleman's side could well still be sore from last week's hazing up in Clones. More of the same coming here. Derry are really too good to exit at this stage. Could struggle, but should pull through.
Carlow v Sligo (Dr Cullen Park, 7.0) - Pat Roe's Carlow have had some innings so far - two matches against Wicklow with a win in the replay, an outing at Croke Park against Kildare, and now a home tie against Sligo. However, they may have to count themselves lucky with four championship matches this year as Sligo should be steeled by their performance against Mayo and eager to progress a further step down the qualifying road. They have made changes since the Connacht semi-final - James Curran replaces Peter Walsh in goal, Neil Carew comes in at full back for the injured Mark Cosgrove, Padraig Doohan replaces the injured David Durkin, and Kieren Quinn replaces injured midfielder Rory Brennan. The level of change should not put them off the winning track, but they should be wary nonetheless.
Limerick v Westmeath (Gaelic Grounds, 7.0) - If Westmeath travel to McCourt country believing that it is their neighbours Meath who ought to be making the journey, then they could be in trouble. Limerick must quietly fancy themselves here, spurred on by a relatively encouraging performance against the All-Ireland champions. Limerick are organised and motivated, but should not have the fire-power to match that of Ger Heavin, Dessie Dolan and will also be overshadowed by Westmeath's centrefield pairing. If the visitors are flat, then Limerick could turn it into a scrap, but Luke Dempsey's side has had its scare against Wexford in the first round and ought to give an encouraging exhibition here.
