Leinster semi-final double header confirmed

The Leinster Council has confirmed that it is to move the football championship semi-final betweeen Offaly and Wexford back a…

The Leinster Council has confirmed that it is to move the football championship semi-final betweeen Offaly and Wexford back a week to ensure a Croke Park double header on June 25th.

The two teams had originally been set to meet on June 18th. However, concerns were raised as to whether there would be sufficient interest among supporters in Offaly and Wexford for a stand-alone fixture at Croke Park.

Given this, the Council has opted for a double header with the second semi-final between Dublin and Laois.

The Council's decision is likely to disappoint Dublin who may now get as few as 20,000 tickets for their game.

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In related news, the GAA have confirmed the starting times and venues for the 1st round of Qualifier games in the 2006 Bank of Ireland football championship.

Division Two champions Louth are set to meet defending champions Tyrone who will be hoping to bounce back from their shock defeat against Derry last month.

Elsewhere, Meath legend Liam Hayes is set to return to his former team as manager of Carlow at Dr Cullen Park on Sunday 18th June.

2006 Bank of Ireland football championship qualifer fixtures

Saturday, June 17th

Louth v Tyrone  3.30pm Navan
Monaghan v Wicklow 3.30pm Clones
Westmeath v London 7pm Mullingar
Antrim v Clare 4pm Casement Park
Sligo v Down 7pm Markievicz Park
Waterford v Longford 2pm Walsh Park

Sunday, June 18th

Kildare/Offaly v Cavan 3.30pm Newbridge/Tullamore 

Carlow v Meath 4pm Dr Cullen Park