SFC QUALIFIERS: THE SECOND-round draw for the football qualifiers produced a collective moan throughout the GAA with Derry and Monaghan set to renew acquaintances this Saturday.
The sides met in a tetchy, yet typical, Ulster quarter-final back on May 24th with the fallout from the fixture only subsiding on Friday when Monaghan forward Tommy Freeman’s eight-week suspension was upheld by the Disputes Resolution Authority.
Derry captain Fergal Doherty and Brian Mullan also received eight-week bans which were halved on appeal.
Derry won the last battle, 1-10 to 0-10, but then lost to Tyrone in the semi-final, while Monaghan recovered to beat Armagh on Saturday after extra-time.
Significantly, Doherty and Mullan will be available for selection, while Freeman is not, something that has caused consternation within Monaghan. Their leading marksman, Freeman was found guilty of a headbutt.
There were a few other quirky ties to come out of the hat, with Longford hardly pleased to run into Kerry on the back roads again. They last met in Killarney in 2006 – a game notable for Jack OConnor switching Kieran Donaghy to full forward in a move that, arguably, revolutionised the sport. This time, Longford at least have home advantage.
Down and Laois also met in the qualifiers last season, with Seán Dempsey’s men forced to make the trip north in an attempt to avenge that defeat.
Mick O’Dwyer’s Wicklow keep tipping along with Cavan the latest Ulster team forced to journey down to Aughrim.
Fermanagh’s summer was ended at the same ground on Saturday, but the seven-day turnaround may hinder preparations for the 73-year-old manager.
Westmeath – currently on a low ebb after a 27-point defeat to Dublin in the Leinster semi-final – have never beaten neighbours Meath in the championship, but will seek to remove that statistic on Saturday.
The game is expected to take place in Mullingar.
The three other fixtures sees Wexford hosting Roscommon, Sligo travelling to Tipperary and Donegal against Clare, who probably won’t be elated by a match up in Ballybofey.
The venues and throw-in times will be confirmed today.
