Meath face ambushes in Leinster campaign

There are no easy rides for champions, as reigning All-Ireland football kingpins Meath discovered when the draws for the 2000 championships were made last night. Meath have been drawn in the tougher half of the Leinster qualifying process. Hurling holders Cork have got away considerably better, avoiding both Tipperary and Clare in the initial stages.

Meath will have to do it the hard way if they are to reach the provincial decider, never mind go on to successfully defend the Sam Maguire. In a draw which appears top heavy, they have been drawn to meet Offaly in the quarter-final (a repeat of this year's Leinster semi-final) with the winners going on to meet either Kildare or Louth in the semi-final. In contrast, arch rivals Dublin, for the second year running, appear to have an easier route to the provincial final.

The winners of a four-team round robin series involving Wicklow, Carlow, Wexford and Longford will meet Dublin in the quarter-final with the winners earning a semi-final joust with either Westmeath or Laois. It must be considered a great draw for Dublin as they attempt to make amends for their Leinster final defeat to Meath this year as they are in the opposite half of the draw to Meath, Kildare and Offaly.

The open draw jinx has yet again struck the big two in Munster football. All-Ireland finalists Cork must overcome Limerick in the opening round with a semi-final against Kerry awaiting the winners, a situation that will please Clare more than most. Clare have a first-round meeting with Waterford and the prospect of a semi-final with Tipperary awaiting them.

Last year's All-Ireland champions Galway have been handed an easy opening match - against New York - but, assuming they win that one, the semi-final will pit them against either reigning provincial champions Mayo or Sligo. Roscommon will be most pleased of the western big guns: they open their campaign against London with the winners facing Leitrim, who received a bye.

As ever, the Ulster football championship has the makings of a real dog-fight and holders Armagh have been handed an extremely tough quarter-final showdown with Tyrone.

In hurling, the saving grace for Cork is that they are in the opposite side of the draw to Clare and Tipperary. Tipperary have been drawn in a quarter-final against Waterford with the winners facing Clare. Nevertheless, Cork will have to fend off Kerry and then Limerick if they are to reach the final.

Leinster hurling champions Kilkenny have yet again avoided Offaly and Wexford - who meet in the championship for a seventh straight year - and will meet the winners of a round robin series (involving Dublin, Laois and the two Keogh Cup finalists) in the semi-final.