Tough draw for Champions Donegal

Published Friday, 07 October 2011

Ulster Champions Donegal face a long and tricky journey if they are to retain their provincial crown after being drawn in the preliminary round of the 2012 competition.

Following Thursday night's draw it was revealed that Donegal will face Cavan in the opening game of next year's provincial series, with the winners set to face Derry in the quarter-finals.

It was something of a "draw of death" for Jim McGuinness' side - should they overcome the Oak Leaf county, a potentially tough semi-final date with either Tyrone or Armagh beckons.

The other side of the draw looks more straightforward, with 2010 All-Ireland finalists Down will facing Fermanagh in the quarter-finals.

The winners of that game are set to face either Antrim or Monaghan in the last four.

In hurling Antrim will face Westmeath in the first round of the Leinster Senior hurling Championship, with the winners set for a difficult quarter-final tie against Galway.

Ulster Senior Football Championship 2012 Draw

Preliminary Round
Cavan v Donegal

Quarter-finals:
Cavan/Donegal v Derry

Armagh v Tyrone

Fermanagh v Down

Monaghan v Antrim

Semi-finals:
Fermanagh/Down v Monaghan/Antrim

Armagh/Tyrone v Derry/Cavan/Donegal

Leinster Senior Hurling Championship 2012 Draw

First Round
Westmeath v Antrim

Laois v Carlow

Quarter-finals
Laois/Carlow v Dublin