Westmeath to face Laois in Tailteann Cup knockout stages

Westmeath have been drawn against Laois in the Tailteann Cup preliminary quarter-finals after the draw was made on Sunday evening. The game will take place next weekend (June 7/8).

Dermot McCabe's side missed out on the chance to progress straight to the quarter-finals by losing to Limerick in Portlaoise on Saturday (0-19 to 18).

Meanwhile, Laois claimed a surprise win over midland rivals Offaly on a scoreline of 3-18 to 3-16 last Saturday. A late penalty goal by Mark Barry secured victory for Laois, with Damon Larkin scoring two goals for the O'Moore County.

With Group 2 surprisingly topped by Wicklow, both Laois and Offaly go into the preliminary quarter-finals, with Offaly taking second place on scoring difference.

Laois represent the toughest draw Westmeath could have got at this stage but as a second-placed team, the Lake County men will have home advantage.

The other preliminary quarter-finals are Offaly vs New York, Sligo vs Carlow and Wexford vs Antrim.

In addition to Wicklow and Limerick, the other teams through to the quarter-finals are Kildare and Fermanagh.

Tailteann Cup preliminary quarter-finals (first named team at home):

Westmeath v Laois; Offaly v New York; Sligo v Carlow; Wexford v Antrim.