A repeat of last year’s All-Ireland final could be on the cards in the final round of the SFC qualifiers, after the draw for rounds three and four was made on Sunday.
All-Ireland champions Cork, this year’s Munster championship runners-up, will face the winners of the third round clash between Antrim and last year’s September losers Down. The Saffrons host the Mourne men next weekend, with the winners to face the Rebels in a neutral venue later in the month.
Wicklow and Armagh must replay their second round encounter next weekend after they could not be separated in Saturday’s thrilling extra-time affair. Whoever eventually comes through it faces a daunting trip to Tyrone, whose rivalry with Armagh could once again come in to focus. Whichever of those three teams makes the final 12 will then face the runners-up of next week’s Connacht final between Mayo and Roscommon.
Meath and Kildare will meet for the second time in the current championship, with Kieran McGeeney’s men strong favourites to go on to face the Ulster runners-up – Derry or Donegal - in the fourth round, that in spite of being drawn away to Seamus McEnaney’s Royals.
After a sound win over Offaly on Saturday, Limerick will fancy their chances of extending their run when they host Munster colleagues Waterford next week. The winners of that encounter will take on beaten Leinster finalists Wexford in the last 12.
The round three games, bar Tyrone’s clash with the Wicklow or Armagh, will be played next weekend, with times and venues to be confirmed in midweek. All fourth round qualifiers will subsequently go ahead at neutral venues.
SFC Qualifiers Round Three:
Limerick v Waterford
Tyrone v Armagh/Wicklow
Antrim v Down
Meath v Kildare
SFC Qualifiers Round Four:
Limerick/Waterford v Wexford
Tyrone/Armagh/Wicklow v Mayo/Roscommon
Antrim/Down v Cork
Meath/Kildare v Derry/Donegal