Leitrim must wait to see Tailteann Cup opponents as Green & Gold are handed away tie
Tailteann Cup draw: Leitrim will face one from Cavan, Westmeath or Down depending on who reaches Provincial Finals
Leitrim have been handed a potentially very tough draw in the opening round of this year's Tailteann Cup but the Green & Gold still don't know who they will face or when the game will take place after the draw took place on Monday afternoon.
Steven Poacher's side will be away to one from Down, Westmeath or Cavan depending on whether the Mourne county or the Lake County reach their provincial deciders. One from the trio are destined for the 16th spot in the Tailteann Cup depending on how Westmeath or Down face in their provincial semi-finals.
With both Down and Westmeath in provincial semi-final action this coming weekend, should either of them fail to progress, Leitrim's away game will take place the weekend of May 16-17. If both progress to their respective finals, Cavan will drop into the Tailteann Cup with the game set to take place the weekend of May 9-10.
Westmeath are the lowest ranked of the three teams, finishing third in Division 3 having missed out to Wexford with a last minute goal in the final game of the competition. They face Kildare who, as last year's winners of the Tailteann Cup, are guaranteed a place in the battle for the Sam Maguire. However, if Westmeath progress to the Leinster Final, Down are the next lowest rank and Leitrim will only face Cavan if both Down and Westmeath reach their respective finals.
The draw sets up some intriguing possibilities with a clash with Down meaning Steven Poacher will face his native county while a championship meeting with Cavan, a derby into the bargain would be eagerly anticipated by Leitrim and Cavan folk along the border.
There are some intriguing clashes with newly promoted Longford travelling to face Fermanagh while Division 4 champions Carlow take on Antrim at home. Sligo, beaten by Leitrim in Connacht, host Tipperary.
The full round 1 Tailteann Cup draw is as follows:
- Fermanagh v Longford
- Laois v Wicklow
- Clare v Offaly
- Carlow v Antrim
- Wexford v Limerick
- TBC (Cavan/Westmeath/Down) v Leitrim
- Sligo v Tipperary
- Waterford v London
Any team involved in a Provincial Championship fixture on the weekend of May 2/3 will play their game on the weekend of May 16/17.
Round 2A – May 24/25: The eight winners in Round One shall be drawn to play against each other, with the first team to play at home.
Round 2B – May 23/24: The eight Losers in Round One shall be drawn to play against each other, with the first team drawn having home advantage.
Round 3 – June 6/7: The four losing teams from Round 2A will be drawn to play the four winning teams from Round 2B. A draw will determine the home venue for each pairing, the draw will be subject to the avoidance of repeat pairings from Round One where possible.
Preliminary quarter-final – June 6/7: A Round 2A winner will be drawn to play New York. This will be a home venue for the Round 2A winner – exception: if London is the Round 2A winner, in which case, the game will be played at a neutral venue in Ireland.
Quarter-finals – June 13/14
Semi-finals – June 20/21
Final – Saturday, July 11