Actually, Longford will have to beat Laois, and then either Wexford, Louth or Wicklow to avoid that first-round qualifier.

And guess who they could meet there? Yep, Westmeath again, maybe even in Westmeath.

Longford should always have last Sunday, but if they meet and lose to Westmeath in the qualifiers, they won't.

Or take Down and Cavan.

Whoever wins today's replay will still have to negotiate Monaghan, and then Derry (or Antrim) to avoid the first-round qualifiers.

And guess who they could meet there? Yep, today's opponents again, for a third time.

Sideline Cuts guarantees it, just as we did at the outset of 2001 . . . some uplifting, open early-round provincial games will be followed by some bitter, repeat fixtures in the backdoor. In a year or two, they'll bring in a protection clause, just like they did after the depressing repeat games Donegal-Fermanagh, Derry-Tyrone, RoscommonGalway and Derry-Antrim all had in 2001. Why did they get rid of the protection clause at all? Was it that complicated? Were the powers-that-be afraid that MC Marty was going to drop dead some time soon and take his secret to the grave?

Even now, is there a way they can at least ensure that a team consigned to the qualifiers or who wins their provincial championship are guaranteed to play someone other than the last team they played?

Until then, may some luck and force be with you, Luke.