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

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.

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 in this first round Tailteann Cup tie 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.

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.

"We’ve got two victories, yesterday a good victory over Wicklow and last weekend down against Wexford.