Dublin will take on Louth in the fourth round of the All-Ireland qualifiers next weekend following Sunday evening’s draw.
The Dubs advanced to this stage with a hard-fought victory over Armagh on Saturday afternoon and will take on Leinster rivals Louth next weekend.
The Wee County must pick themselves up following the drama and fall-out of their controversial Leinster final defeat to Meath, when they looked destined to end their 53-wait for a provincial title before Joe Sheridan’s illegal late goal gave the Delaney Cup to the Royals.
Provincial rivalries are at work there, and the same can be said of another of next weekend’s big qualifiers with beaten Munster finalists Limerick paired with Cork in a repeat of the 2009 Munster decider.
Mickey Ned O’Sullivan’s side pushed Kerry all the way in Killarney two weeks ago before succumbing to a three-point defeat, and one would imagine that they must show nothing less than their best form again to have any chance of upsetting the Leesiders, who have conceded just nine points in their two most recent qualifier wins over Cavan and Wexford.
Elsewhere in the qualifiers, this afternoon’s two losing provincial finalists have just six days to recover in time for their fourth round qualifier duties.
Sligo, who went into the Connacht final as hot favourites following wins over Mayo and Galway, came up short against Roscommon and will have to get the better of Down to prevent a hugely promising campaign going down the pan in the space of a week.
Monaghan, so impressive in their Ulster wins over Armagh and Fermanagh, will have to put a heavy defeat to Tyrone behind them quickly if they are to overcome a Kildare side who will be bouncing following an 11-point win over Derry at Celtic Park on Saturday.
All-Ireland fourth round qualifier draw:
Louth v Dublin
Limerick v Cork
Monaghan v Kildare
Sligo v Down
Dates, times and venues will be confirmed by the GAA on Monday morning
