KILDARE, Down, Tyrone and Meath were among the big names who moved through to the third round of the qualifiers.
But Armagh were held to a 0-19 to 2-13 home draw by Mick O'Dwyer's Wicklow at the Athletic Grounds in the shock result of the day. It had been widely anticipated that this would be the 75-year-old O'Dwyer's last game in charge of Wicklow.
But his team did him proud to earn a replay, which is scheduled for Aughrim on Saturday. Wicklow deserved their second chance after a match that saw Wicklow lead by 0-9 to 0-2 at one stage in the first half.
Eventually, Armagh got going, with Jamie Clarke contributing five points, but the goal scoring ability of Seanie Furlong earned Wicklow their second chance after extra time. Furlong finished with 2-4.
"Sure, I loved that," commented O'Dwyer. "It was a terrific game of football, the best display from a Wicklow team since I came to Wicklow."
Elsewhere, Kilare had far too much ability for Laois, trouncing them by 3-16 to 0-10 at Portlaoise. John Doyle and Hugh Lynch dominated in midfield as Kildare took complete control in the second half.
Their reward in round three of the qualifiers is a rematch with Meath at Pairc Tailteann. Not easy but Meath will need to improve considerably from their hard earned 0-11 to 0-10 home victory over Galway on Saturday.
Tyrone and Down got over the line somewhat easier. Tyrone saw off Longford away by 1-17 to 0-15, while Down came good in the second half to get the better of Leitrim by 1-16 to 1-8 at Newry.
Limerick's ability to score goals proved to be the difference as they accounted for Offaly 3-13 to 0-15 at the Gaelic Grounds, Waterford brought an end to London's run (1-17 to 0-13) at Ruislip, and Antrim defeated Carlow 1-13 to 2-9.
Meath to face Kildare
THE meeting of Meath and Kildare and possibility of Tyrone facing Armagh are the highlights of Round Three of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship draw.
First, Armagh must get the better of Wicklow at Aughrim in a replay if they are to meet Tyrone. There's also the potential for some intriguing Round Four qualifying games, most notably Down facing Cork in a repeat of last year's All-Ireland final, should they first overcome Antrim.
The full draw Third Round qualifying draw is (home teams first); Limerick v Waterford; Tyrone v Wicklow or Armagh; Antrim v Limerick; Meath v Kildare.
Fourth Round (venues to be announced): Limerick or Waterford v Wexford; Tyrone, Wickow or Armagh v Mayo or Roscommon; Antrim or Down v Cork; Meath or Kildare v Donegal or Derry.
All-Ireland SHC quarter-finals (venues to be confirmed) - Limerick v Dublin; Waterford v Galway.
