Down face intriguing all-Ulster encounter

SFC Qualifiers Round Two draw: A couple of groans but most managers will be pleased with how the draw for round two of the All-Ireland football qualifiers went yesterday. Not too many high profile meetings jump off the list, but Down's meeting against Derry will certainly keep the Ulster faction enthralled.

Derry manager Mickey Moran was in the process of preparing for another exotic tour of the country last night when news filtered through that a local grudge match was back on the agenda.

Still, he wasn't interested in who came out or that his side had such a short turnover after defeat to Armagh yesterday in the Ulster semi-finals.

"The word is that it's on next week," said Moran. "I have a lot of time for Armagh because they take it on the chin and hopefully we are the same. Whatever has to be faced, we'll face it and not be crying about it."

All games have been pencilled in for next Saturday, but the GAC will hear a request from the Wexford County Board to postpone their match against Monaghan.

They will seek to move the game, which will be played in Clones, to Saturday July 9th as the Wexford hurlers play the Leinster final this Sunday against Kilkenny. This is because Redmond Barry is a key player for both Wexford teams and the board also wants dual fans to have the option of travelling to both games.

The GAC is expected to grant the request early this week as a similar decision was allowed to accommodate Limerick dual stars recently.

Donegal will play their fourth game in three weeks when they entertain Cavan in another all-Ulster affair. Donegal progressed after beating Wicklow in Aughrim yesterday.

Páidí Ó Sé and Seán Boylan will both be pleased as Westmeath and Meath got home draws against less fancied opposition. Westmeath have been plagued by injury, particularly their All Star forward Dessie Dolan who is out for the rest of the season, but can use their meeting with Clare as a chance to regain some confidence.

Meath should have little problem in dealing with Leitrim as they continue the most bizarre route Boylan has ever taken in the pursuit of Sam Maguire. Already, they have been to Casement Park to take care of Antrim.

Kildare are another team seeking redemption after a meek display against Laois in the Leinster Championship. They may have to travel to Sligo without former captain Glenn Ryan, who suffered a facial injury in the opening round of the Kildare SFC yesterday.

Carlow have another stern test at home as Limerick come to Dr Cullen Park. The final fixture pairs Louth and Roscommon.