Offaly learn Tailteann Cup opponents as draw is made

Offaly footballers have been drawn alongside Down, Limerick and London in the 2024 Tailteann Cup after the draw was made this afternoon (Tuesday).

Last Sunday's Leinster semi-final defeat to All-Ireland champions Dublin (3-22 to 0-11) at Croke Park ensured Offaly would compete in the second tier championship - a competition which looks quite open this year.

Offaly played both Down and Limerick in this year's Division 3 league campaign, narrowly defeating Limerick in their last league outing.

London, who operated in Division 4 of this year's league campaign, will be Offaly's first opponents on the weekend of May 11/12, with second seeds Offaly having home advantage.

Declan Kelly's charges will travel to Limerick in the second round, and the clash with Down will be played at a neutral venue.

Full fixture details will be confirmed by the GAA's Central Competitions Control Committee at a later stage.

Limerick will also be in Division 4 next year after the Treaty men were relegated earlier this year. Most observers will expect Down and Offaly to take the top two spots in the group, with Limerick and the Exiles likely to battle it out for third place.

Down reached the Tailteann Cup final last year, losing out to Meath, and they will be one of the favourites again this year, having earned promotion from Division 3 in the spring.

New York will to join the Tailteann Cup at the preliminary quarter-final stage.

2024 Tailteann Cup groups

Group 1: Kildare, Leitrim, Longford, Waterford.

Group 2: Sligo, Antrim, Wexford, Tipperary.

Group 3: Fermanagh, Laois, Wicklow, Carlow.

Group 4: Down, Offaly, Limerick, London.