Wexford footballers must rise to the challenge of Tyrone just seven days after falling to Dublin in the Leinster championship. That pairing was one of eight drawn last night for the first round of the All-Ireland qualifiers, to be played next Saturday.

The narrow loss to Dublin on Saturday evening may have briefly given Wexford some confidence, but they now face the daunting challenge of the National League champions and the team widely regarded as among the best in the country.

Having drawn with and then fallen to Armagh, Tyrone won't be short of motivation. At least Wexford will have home advantage, but the seven-day break - as opposed to a fortnight for Tyrone - will also stack the odds against them.

After their defeat to Meath yesterday, Westmeath will feel a little less troubled by their draw with Antrim. Down, who lost out to Donegal yesterday, will now turn their attention to Longford.

The Games Administration Committee will meet today to confirm the time and venues, although home advantage will go to the following counties - Longford, Limerick, Wexford, Waterford, Antrim and Wicklow.

With London having to travel Aughrim, Wicklow manager John O'Leary will find motivation a little easier after the early exit to Laois. Roscommon will also fancy their chances against Waterford, although Cavan are sure to get a difficult test against Limerick.

Louth, who were narrowly defeated by Kildare, must get past Monaghan, while Laois face neighbours Carlow.

ALL-IRELAND QUALIFIERS

FIRST ROUND

Longford v Down

Limerick v Cavan

Tyrone v Wexford

Waterford v Roscommon

Westmeath v Antrim

Monaghan v Louth

Carlow v Laois

Wicklow v London

All games to be played next Saturday