Galway and Clare to clash in hurling qualifiers
Two teams who were knocked out of their respective provincial Championships this weekend - Galway and Clare - have been drawn together in the All-Ireland SHC qualifiers.
The draw for the phase 2 matches was performed by GAA President Christy Cooney and Tipperary hurling legend Nicky English at the Gaelic Grounds this evening, in the wake of Clare's 4-19 to 1-19 defeat to Tipperary.
The beaten Leinster and Munster SHC semi-finalists entered the draw bowls, and provincial pairings were not allowed.
Galway, who were beaten by Dublin in Tullamore last night, were first out and will have home advantage against Clare on Saturday, July 2.
The other phase 2 encounter will see Division 2 champions Limerick hosting Wexford, who lost last week to Kilkenny.
Galway and Clare meet in the 2009 qualifiers in Ennis where the Tribesmen cantered to a 2-18 to 1-11 victory. But on the evidence of Clare's showing today against Tipp, it should be a much tighter affair next month.
Limerick and Wexford also played each other in the Championship two years ago - a goal from Andrew O'Shaughnessy helped the Shannonsiders to a 1-13 to 0-14 qualifier win at Wexford Park.
The throw-in times and venues for the two qualifier ties will be confirmed by the GAA tomorrow.
PHASE 1:
Saturday, June 25
Cork v Offaly, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 3pm
Antrim v Carlow, Casement Park, 4pm
PHASE 2:
Saturday, July 2
Galway v Clare
Limerick v Wexford
PHASE 3:
Saturday, July 9 -
Phase 1 winners v Phase 2 winners (two matches)
