Laois will host Fermanagh in All Ireland football qualifiers

Offaly’s visit to Aughrim is the only tie in the draws that pits traditional provincial rivals against one another

Laois’ John O’Loughlin escapes the clutches of Dublin’sMichael Darragh Macauley. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Laois’ John O’Loughlin escapes the clutches of Dublin’sMichael Darragh Macauley. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho

The All Ireland Football qualifier draws, split into two groupings Round 1A and Round 1B, were made this morning, by GAA President Liam O'Neill.

In Round 1A, Derry, who lost to Donegal in the Ulster Senior Football Championship will host Longford, who were beaten by Wexford at the weekend.

Laois, who produced a fine performance in defeat against Dublin at Croke Park, will welcome Fermanagh to Portlaoise, in what will be a novel pairing as the sides have never met previously.

Limerick will host last year's beaten Connacht finalists, London, while Offaly will make a familiar journey to Aughrim for the only all provincial tie.

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In Round 1B there are three matches, the outcomes of which have yet to be resolved. Futhermore, there are a number of rules pertaining to which team gets home venue based on a number of criteria other than simply being drawn out first.

Louth await the losers of Sunday's Ulster Football Championship game between Monaghan and Tyrone, Cavan will take on Westmeath, Down will host Leitrim while the losers of Carlow/Meath game will oppose the team that is beaten in the Munster Senior Football Championship replay between Waterford and Clare.

The dates, venues and times, where possible are expected to be confirmed by the GAA later today.

All Ireland Qualifiers Round 1A (teams drawn first at home): Derry v Longford; Laois v Fermanagh; Limerick v London; Wicklow v Offaly.

All Ireland qualifiers Round 1B (home venues not yet decided in all cases): Louth v Monaghan/Tyrone; Cavan v Westmeath; Carlow/Meath v Clare/Waterford; Down v Leitrim.

John O'Sullivan

John O'Sullivan

John O'Sullivan is an Irish Times sports writer