Having overcome Armagh on Saturday, Monaghan have been handed another crack at Derry following the All-Ireland qualifiers draw. Beaten in Celtic Park earlier in the summer, Seamus McEneaney’s side will enjoy home advantage when the sides meet again next weekend.
The first meeting of the Ulster rivals was a bad tempered, fractious affair, with Tommy Freeman, Fergal Doherty and Brian Mullan handed eight-week bans in the aftermath.
The Derry pair of Doherty and Mullan since had their bans halved on appeal, and will be available as Damien Cassidy’s side embark on their qualifying campaign, but Freeman failed in his bid on Friday night and will remain suspended.
Elsewhere in this evening’s draw, Westmeath have been afforded the opportunity to atone for last weekend’s hammering at the hands of Dublin after being drawn against neighbours Meath.
Beaten All-Ireland finalists Kerry should have little to fear after being pitted against Longford while Wicklow’s reward for beating Fermanagh is a clash against Cavan, the side who knocked Fermanagh out of the Ulster championship.
All ties will be played next Saturday with the GAA due to confirm venues and throw-in times tomorrow.
All-Ireland Qualifying Series – Round Two
Down v Laois
Monaghan v Derry
Longford v Kerry
Wexford v Roscommon
Tipperary v Sligo
Donegal v Clare
Westmeath v Meath
Wicklow v Cavan
