Donegal will have a much clearer picture of the lie of the land in the forthcoming Super Eights after tomorrow morning’s draw for Round 4 of the All-Ireland qualifiers.
Following their victory in the Ulster final against Cavan last Sunday, Declan Bonner’s side knew they would be paired with the Munster champions Kerry in Group 1.
The remaining two places in that group will be taken by the losers of the other two provisional finals – Meath in Leinster and Connacht losers Galway – or the team that might beat them in Round 4 of the qualifiers.
So, in yesterday’s Round 3 qualifiers, Mayo pipped Armagh 2-13 to 1-15, Tyrone won well away to Kildare on a 2-22 to 1-15 scoreline, Laois overcame Offaly 0-20 to 0-15 and Clare edged out Weatmeath 1-13 to 0-15.
Therefore, in tomorrow morning’s draw there are two bowls – the beaten provincial finalists and the qualifiers.
Bowl 1
Galway
Cork
Cavan
Meath
Bowl 2
Tyrone
Clare
Laois
Mayo
The draw seeks to avoid repeat pairings which rules out Meath being pitted against Laois after their meeting in the Leinster semi-final earlier this month.
Donegal know they have a home fixture to open their three fixtures on the weekend of July 13/14, take on Kerry at Croke Park the following weekend and then round off with an away game on the first weekend in August, 3/4.
The winners of Group 1 will play the runners-up of Group 2 in the All-Ireland semi-finals, and vice-versa. Dublin and Roscommon are in Group 2 and will be. joined by two other teams.
The draw will be broadcast live on Morning Ireland on RTÉ Radio 1 as part of the 8.30am sports news and also covered live on the GAA’s website.
Unlike in previous rounds of the qualifiers, these games will not be played on a home and away basis. The neutral venues and the throw-in times will be confirmed by the CCCC on Monday afternoon with the games to take place next weekend 6-7 July and the winners advancing to the Super 8s which commence a week later on 13-14 July.
