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New York set for novel trip to Offaly in Tailteann Cup, Fermanagh to host Cavan

The draw for the 2022 Tailteann Cup quarter-finals
The draw for the 2022 Tailteann Cup quarter-finals

New York will have the novelty of playing non-Connacht opposition for the first time in championship history after being paired with Offaly in the Tailteann Cup quarter-final draw.

Johnny McGeeney's side will travel to Tullamore having been given a bye through the first round.

It will be New York's first championship game in Ireland since a 3-13 to 1-09 loss to Roscommon at Dr Hyde Park in the 2001 Connacht Championship.

The draw, similar to the first-round games, based teams into northern and southern sections, with the counties drawn first having home advantage. New York were the exception as they were to play in Ireland regardless of the draw.

Carlow caused a shock when they overcame Tipperary on Sunday and their reward is a home tie with Westmeath, who earned their quarter-final spot with a hard-fought three-point win over Laois, in the other southern section game.

In the northern section, Fermanagh, who had Ultan Kelm’s late goal to thank against Longford, now enjoy a home game with Cavan, strongly fancied by many to win the competition, who opened with a comfortable win over Down.

Shane Moran and Jack Heslin's goals ensured victory for Leitrim at Carrick-on-Shannon and sent favourites Antrim home empty-handed and they will be on home turf once again as Sligo, who needed extra-time to fend off London, are set to visit in the final quarter-final tie.

The games will take place this coming weekend,

Offaly's clash with New York will take place on Saturday live on GAAGO.

The remaining three matches are scheduled for Sunday. Leitrim's meeting with Sligo will also be streamed on GAAGO.

Details of the games can be found here.

Reacting to the novel pairing with New York, Offaly manager John Maughan told RTÉ's Morning Ireland that it was a sign of the possibilities of this competition.

"I’m looking forward to the fanfare and the excitement of New York coming to Tullamore," he said.

"I’m very, very happy to have a home game first of all. We’re thrilled to be in the Tailteann Cup, it’s a great competition.

John Maughan is looking forward to New York's visit

"We’ve got two victories, yesterday a good victory over Wicklow and last weekend down against Wexford. We’re delighted to be progressing along and we were eagerly anticipating the draw this morning, a bit excited and nervous so it’s great to have a home draw and we’re looking forward to next weekend."

Maughan joked that "passports were ready and in date" should New York prefer a home game.

He added that his side are determined to make it to the Croke Park final over the coming weeks to secure what would be a memorable day out for the Faithful County.

"We were disappointed to lose the first round of the Leinster Championship to Wexford but we took a two-week break and on the Tuesday, when we returned to training, everybody turned up to training full of anticipation and excitement.

"The likes of Niall McNamee, one of the greatest footballers that Offaly has ever produced. To see the excitement and his dedication to the cause and playing in this competition is absolutely fantastic."

The four winning teams in each section advance to the semi-finals which will be held on 19 June.

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