September Road

Antrim (Defeated by Derry yesterday, now playing Leitrim). Armagh (Defeated by Tyrone, now playing Down) - Took week off after defeat for local club championship. Reduced panel from 31 to 24 on return to training. Team news: Main concern remains Diarmuid Marsden, injured in the Tyrone game and who was unable to play for his club in the local championship. Local view (Joe McManus, Armagh Observer) - "Most people don't know what to think about the All-Ireland series. It's very low key but if they win a couple of rounds interest might whip up again." Carlow (Defeated by Kildare yesterday, now playing Waterford). Donegal (Defeated by Fermanagh after replay, now playing Monaghan or Fermanagh) - Perhaps the biggest fallout from defeat, with selector Mickey Houston resigning, but not before taking a broadside at county manager Mickey Moran, stating he had "no hand, act or part" in the sideline decisions made against Fermanagh. After the defeat, the squad had a meeting the following Wednesday, played club championship matches last weekend, and trained on Tuesday and Thursday of last week. Team news: John Gildea will soon depart for the US, to play football for the summer. Captain Damien Diver is their main injury worry and he was unable to line out for his club Ardrea last weekend. Local view (Michael Daly, Donegal Democrat and Donegal People's Press sports editor): "The events surrounding Mickey Houston's departure have been fairly devastating, but it might galvanise those who remain. A lot depends on who we get in the draw; it's been like sitting and waiting in a vacuum, not knowing the dark of the rise." Down (Defeated by Cavan, now playing Armagh - Resumed training as per usual after last week's defeat. Team news: Alan Molloy, ruled out through injury after been selected for the Cavan game, unlikely to be fit. Couple of fringe players dropped from panel while Sean Ward has returned to the fold. Local view (Colm Fitzpatrick) - "With six or seven teenagers in the team, it's all about acquiring more experience."

Laois (Defeated by Offaly, now have bye to second round) - Played a round of club championship matches this weekend. Hoped to get together yesterday. Team news: Everybody okay, but concern over whether players would come through weekend's action. Local view (Brian Keyes, Leinster Express): "Hopes aren't that hectic. The jizz locally is for the hurlers who play next Sunday. The feeling is that they have a good chance against Wexford."

Leitrim (Defeated by Galway, now playing Antrim) - Players with their clubs for week after defeat as club championship took place last weekend. County panel resumed training on Monday. Team news: Paul Kieran, Fintan McBrien, James Phelan and Kieran Murray all returned to action with their clubs last weekend and will be in contention. Local view (John Connolly, Leitrim Observer) - "It's been strange, with no build-up because we didn't know who we were playing. Obviously looking to avoid Donegal and Armagh, while a draw against neighbours Longford would create a lot of interest." Longford (Defeated by Dublin, now playing Wicklow) - Have resumed training as usual since last weekend's defeat. Team news: Worry over Enda Barden's form. Number of changes expected, with Colin Hannify in line for starting place. Local view (Padraig O'Brien, Longford Leader): "We'd obviously prefer a handier draw. A draw against Leitrim would obviously be great from a local derby point of view." Louth (Defeated by Longford, now playing Tipperary) - At a county board meeting following the May 6th defeat, one delegate suggested manager Paddy Clarke should be removed. Although the meeting was heated, it was never seriously considered. Lost ro Westmeath and beat Monaghan in recent challenge games. Team news: Centrefielder Martin Farrelly has a slight ankle injury but should be fit. Local view (John Mulligan, Argus sports editor): "County board might prefer them to concentrate on relegation play-off against Donegal, but it's Paddy Clarke's last year and he'd like a run in the championship. Monaghan or Fermanagh (To play next week, loser to play Donegal). Tipperary (Defeated by Kerry, now playing Louth) - County chairman Con Hogan came out to give Sunday Game analyst Tommy Lyons a lash for his criticism of the board's support for football in the county. Team news: No club or challenge games since defeat. Squad member Bennie Hahessy the main injury worry. Local view: (Eamonn Wynn, Clonmel Nationalist) - "Hopes aren't high, what with Declan Browne out for the year. An attractive, home draw is the best hope." Wicklow (Defeated by Carlow, now playing Longford) - Training as per usual, with club senior league matches played last weekend. Team news: Ronan Coffey, after straight red in replay against Carlow, suspended. Local view (Mark Kennedy, Wicklow People): "After the Carlow game, Moses Coffey said that he still expected Wicklow to get further than Carlow in the All-Ireland championship. If they pull a weak team they should progress. If they get a strong team, they'll get home advantage but probably a quick exit." Waterford (Defeated by Cork, now playing Carlow) - No club championships since, so the county squad has been able to train unhindered. Team news: Some defeated junior players training with senior squad.

Local view (John Jackson) - "With home advantage, it would be a big attraction if we were drawn against one of the northern teams, although it's a pity it will be on the night before the hurlers play Limerick." Westmeath (Defeated by Meath yesterday, now playing Wexford). Wexford (Defeated by Laois, now playing Westmeath) - Players given full week off after May 6th defeat. Full round of club championship games in football and hurling played since. Training schedule has been juggled accordingly. Team news: Mattie Forde fit again while Jason Lawlor has returned to the panel. Both expected to play. Local view: (Alan Ahearne, Wexford People): "Hopes are high that we might get a big-name team - Armagh is obviously on everybody's lips. With a home draw the game could be the first to be played at Wexford Park since the redevelopment."