Down don’t get the luck of the draw as Tailteann Cup quarter finals named

Cavan vs Down is the pick of the bunch.

The luck of the draw didn't favour Down as they drew the Tailteann Cup favourites Cavan in the quarter finals of the competition. Last weekend was the preliminary quarter finals, and the first round of proper knockout championship football that saw New York, Fermanagh, Longford and Offaly exit the tournament. The biggest shock was Fermanagh's defeat to Laois, as the Leinster side had been struggling for form this season, just making the preliminary round by the skin of their teeth. Fermanagh on the other hand seemed to be going strength to strength, but a Ryan Jones red card, and determined performance from Laois saw them pull off an upset. Antrim will play Carlow in an interesting tie, as Andy McEntee seems to have turned a corner with the Ulster team, and will fancy their chances, Meath have also turned a disastrous start to the season into something positive, winning three games on the bounce, including an impressive victory over Down. Colm O'Rourke has had his critics following their disappointing campaigns in the league and provincial series, but they appear to be taking the Tailteann Cup seriously. However, Wexford will also be full of confidence after their victory over Offaly, and the fact that they kicked an incredible 1-22 from play, without a single free being hit. Limerick continue the trend of being a team that has turned their fortunes around, as they looked dead and buried following the departure of Ray Dempsey early in the year, but with a string of wins under their belt they will be ready for laois.

Full Tailteann Cup quarter-finals:

Antrim v Carlow Meath v Wexford Limerick v Laois Cavan v Down Related links:

• Ice baths every morning, uddermint, and the other things that keep Aidan Walsh playing dual
• Bizarre refereeing decision during Cork vs Dublin minor semi final goes viral
• Meath appoint interim manager but some expect Eamonn Murray to return