Tyrone and Derry reunited

GAA: All-Ireland football champions Tyrone will have an early and difficult start to their championship campaign next May. They have been drawn in the preliminary round of the Ulster championship against Derry, who took them to a replay earlier this year.

The draw for next year's provincial hurling and football championships was made last night in Perth's Sheraton Hotel, where the Irish International Rules panel were staying before moving this morning to Melbourne, where the second Test takes place on Friday evening.

Tyrone will, however, avoid their predecessors and the side they defeated in September's All-Ireland final, Armagh, who have been given the opportunity to avenge last year's surprise Ulster defeat by Monaghan. Armagh's Steven McDonnell, Ireland's top scorer in last weekend's first Test, was happy with the draw.

"That's what we wanted. We owe them one. Maybe we underestimated them a little last time but that won't happen again. We want to get back to the All-Ireland, but we also want our Ulster title back."

History provides little encouragement for Tyrone. The last two occasions on which All-Ireland champions have been drawn in the preliminary round, they have lost: Armagh last May and Down in 1995, against Donegal.

Tyrone's hurling counterparts, Kilkenny, have drawn Wexford in the Leinster semi-final. This re-run of last July's provincial final will be the first match of the championship for both sides.

The draw opens the door for Offaly or Dublin to reach the Leinster final, assuming they can overcome the preliminary round qualifiers. It's four seasons since Offaly got that far and 13 since Dublin last reached the provincial decider.

Mick O'Dwyer's Leinster football champions Laois are on course to face Meath in the semi-finals. "Micko will be pleased," said centre back Tom Kelly. "It's probably the easier side."

The other side sees Westmeath, with Páidí Ó Sé in charge, take on Offaly, also under new management. Whoever wins takes on Dublin.

Munster hurling champions Cork start with a preliminary match against Kerry and a likely semi-final with Limerick, now with Pad Joe Whelahan in charge. Tipperary, also with a new manager, Ken Hogan, appointed, have a bye to the semi-final where they will face Waterford or Clare.