Laois Faces London in Tailteann Cup Showdown
Laois’ reward for an explosive opening to their Tailteann Cup campaign is a journey across the Irish Sea. Justin McNulty’s side, fresh from a 1-23 to 0-19 dismantling of Wicklow, will face a London outfit that rattled in four first-half goals on their way to routing Waterford.
McNulty got one over his former Armagh team-mate Oisín McConville at the weekend, Laois pulling away with a ruthless second-half surge. Now they walk into a London camp brimming with confidence after that goal-laden display on Sunday. It has the feel of a tie that could catch fire early.
Offaly wait on Down or Leitrim
Offaly, impressive winners away to Clare in Round 1, have earned a home fixture and a chance to build serious momentum. They will host the winner of Down v Leitrim in Round 2A.
Conor Laverty’s Down welcome Leitrim, managed by fellow Mourne man Steven Poacher, to Newry on Saturday evening. There is plenty riding on it. Victory brings a shot at Offaly; defeat drops the loser into Round 2B, albeit with home advantage against Carlow as a safety net.
Goals galore for Antrim, test of nerve next
Antrim lit up the scoreboard with a mammoth 6-17 against Carlow, yet still only staggered over the line by three points after extra-time. Mark Doran’s Saffrons showed both their attacking flair and their vulnerability in one breathless outing.
They now meet Tipperary in Round 2A, a Tipp side who had to withstand a late Sligo surge to move on. Antrim’s firepower against Tipperary’s resilience promises a fascinating clash.
The other Round 2A tie sees Fermanagh at home to Wexford. The Division 3 finalists head to Brewster Park looking to back up their strong league form in knockout football, while Fermanagh will fancy their chances on familiar turf.
Last-chance saloon in Round 2B
For those in Round 2B, the margins tighten. Lose, and the Tailteann Cup journey ends.
Clare, beaten 1-17 to 1-14 by Offaly in Ennis, get another crack at home as they welcome Longford. It’s a quick chance to reset after a narrow defeat.
Wicklow, stung by that heavy concession to Laois, return to Aughrim needing a response when Limerick come to town. The Treaty County were well beaten by Wexford in the first round and arrive with their own point to prove. One of them will leave with their season in ruins.
Waterford, hammered by London’s goal rush, will be at home to Sligo. Sligo ran out of time in their chase of Tipperary; they cannot afford another slow start.
The loser of Down v Leitrim will still have something to cling to: a Round 2B home tie against Carlow, who pushed Antrim to extra-time despite shipping six goals. It is a harsh route, but it is a route all the same.
All Round 2A and 2B fixtures will be played on 23 and 24 May, with the first team named in each pairing enjoying home advantage. New York will enter the competition later, at the preliminary quarter-final stage.
Tailteann Cup Round 2A
- Antrim v Tipperary
- Fermanagh v Wexford
- Offaly v winner of Down/Leitrim
- London v Laois
Tailteann Cup Round 2B
- Wicklow v Limerick
- Clare v Longford
- Waterford v Sligo
- Loser of Down/Leitrim v Carlow
The draw has thrown up storylines everywhere you look. Now it’s over to the counties to decide who can turn a promising start into a real summer.
