Mayo’s road to Croker bumpy

THE first of what Mayo hope will be nine Championship games between now and September starts here.

If their last trip to the Gaelic Grounds, to play Cork in a captivating round four qualifier last July, told them anything though, the road will likely have plenty of twists and turns.

When these counties last met in the summer in a round four qualifier in 2002, Limerick were an emerging force and Mayo were in a lull period.

They were fortunate to eke out a one-point win, with former manager James Horan (above) kicking 0-3, at Hyde Park, which became a graveyard for Limerick teams in those years.

Limerick have slipped back in recent years and the nature of their defeat to Clare, and the fallout that followed it as manager Billy Lee hit out at his own county board, doesn’t suggest they’ll be competitive here. VERDICT: Mayo

Westmeath v Armagh Cusack Pk, 7pm

A SECOND qualifier meeting of these counties in as many years, while they also crossed paths in this year’s NFL. Both of their previous meetings saw Armagh leave Mullingar victorious, with the qualifier game last year an unruly affair.

In the end Armagh got away with a win with the help of a late Ethan Rafferty (inset) goal and then reached the last eight.

Both counties are coming in on the back of demoralising defeats but Armagh’s have pedigree to improve. VERDICT: Armagh

Wicklow v Cavan Joule Park, 6pm

CAVAN provide a link to Wicklow’s most memorable football summer ever in 2009 as the counties renew their qualifier rivalry this evening.

It’ll be their third Championship meeting, as Wicklow gained revenge for the 2009 defeat a year later on home soil with a 0-15 to 2-8 victory.

Wicklow’s 2009 win (1-12 to 0-8) was the first of three at home against Ulster sides en route to the last 12.

Although the first round can be treacherous, Wicklow have lost their ability to spring a major ambush. VERDICT: Cavan

London v Louth Tomorrow, 2pm

A 105-YEAR gap to their last Championship meeting will be bridged in Ruislip tomorrow.

1913 saw Gaelic football reduced from 17 to 15-aside and reigning All-ireland champions Louth had 10 points to spare on the Exiles.

It will be interesting to see if there’s a kick in Louth after boss Pete Mcgrath didn’t spare the players following the meek Leinster exit against Carlow last month.

They’ve yet to win under him and they could hardly have asked for a better opportunity. London would be entitled to think along similar lines, however. VERDICT: Louth