Donegal draw Derry to their lair

GAELIC GAMES:THE FOOTBALL championship third round qualifier draw has, yet again, thrown up a intriguing all-Ulster affair with the convalescence of Donegal to continue with another home draw, this time against neighbours Derry.

The first round was notable for Monaghan’s dour defeat of Armagh before they were beaten by Damien Cassidy’s men last Saturday. Now, Derry must go up to Ballybofey.

At least they avoided Kerry, something Sligo were unable to claim with a trip to Tralee next Saturday to be confirmed today.

Kerry manager Jack O’Connor will be pleased as the fixture provides the latitude to rest Kieran Donaghy (foot) and Declan O’Sullivan (knee) after both men were helped off the field in the unconvincing defeat of Longford.

“Somebody stamped on (Kieran) Donaghy’s foot,” said O’Connor.

“It’s a bit of a worry; we’ll see if it will clear up in a week. He has to have it X-rayed”.

Is it same foot?

“I wouldn’t have a clue.”

It was.

A prognosis should be available early this week but at least Tadhg Kennelly is back from a hand injury and Paul Galvin’s four-week suspension for his red card against Cork will be completed.

Mike McCarthy is also expected to return at full back after missing out on selection this past weekend. McCarthy recently came out of retirement.

Wicklow entertain a third Ulster team, Down, in Aughrim in as many weeks after Mick O’Dwyer’s team attempt to go where no Wicklow team has been before.

The final qualifier match sees Meath against the winners of the replayed Wexford and Roscommon tie after extra-time failed to separate them last Saturday.

This may see that match put back a week as the third round is scheduled for this Saturday.

Times and venues will be confirmed today, with the winners to meet the provincial runners-up in round four.

In hurling, Cork and Galway will meet in the qualifiers along with Limerick and Laois for the two quarter-final places.