Another fixture that might have been better balanced had Leitrim been first out of the hat although both counties will be meeting again in next year's Division Four.

There is however a feeling that although manager Colin Kelly is reconstructing the team, Louth are under-performing this season. They were competing well against Westmeath but got caught by three goals, which cumulatively unwound their prospects and appear to have cost Neil Gallagher his place in goal.

Their mood swings in the league were sufficiently extreme to send them down on the final day but it was an avoidable fate.

Leitrim have had a better year than that, being competitive in the league and a test for Galway. The county has won only one qualifier in history but they have a real chance here in this clash between two young teams but home venue can just swing for Louth.