The four group runners up all progressed to the Tailteann Cup quarter-finals after the weekend’s preliminary quarter-finals.
Offaly were the first team to progress after a big win over New York in Glenisk O'Connor Park.
After a tight beginning to proceedings, Offaly began to pull away in the 11th minute as they went on to score 11 times without response.
These included a two-pointer and a goal from Dylan Hyland who controlled things for “The Faithful County”.
Despite their 15-point half-time lead, Offaly didn’t slow-up and scored their second goal in the 51st minute through Ruairi McNamee.
New York found the back of the net themselves, but Offaly who progressed thanks to 2-25 to 1-12 victory.
Westmeath ease past Laois
Elsewhere, Westmeath also recorded a huge victory against Laois in Mullingar.
A late Jonah Kelly goal proved to be a mere consolation with the last kick of the game as Westmeath ran out 17- point winners.
Luke Loughlin converted a penalty just two minutes before half-time. Indeed, captain Ronan Wallace palmed the ball into the back of the net just after the hooter to leave Dermot McCabe’s side firmly in the driving seat at the interval.
A Matthew Whittaker goal at the beginning of the second-half put the game beyond gave Laois. Westmeath claimed a 3-26 to 1-15 victory.
Wexford lands goals to progress
Whereas, Wexford progressed as the goals flowed between themselves and Antrim.
With four points between the sides, the first of seven goals was scored in the 22nd minute through Wexford’s Jack Higgins. A second Wexford goal game on the stroke of half-time as Mark Rossiter made it 2-14 to 0-7.
With a 14 point gap between the sides in the second-half, Wexford got their third goal as Sean Nolan applying the final touch.
Mark Rossiter added another before Antrim capitalized on some Wexford complacency to record two goals of their own.
Antrim went on to dominate the last 15 minutes before Robbie Brooks got Wexford’s fifth goal to seal a win by 5-23 to Antrim’s 2-21.
Sligo book quarter-final place
Sligo also claimed victory in their preliminary quarter final against Carlow winning out 1-27 to 2-19.
The hosts dominated the early scoring, leading by six points before Alan McLoughlin’s 27th minute goal enforced their dominance.
Carlow came out swinging at the start of the second-half, finding themselves back within a point thanks to a pair of quick-fire goals from Paddy McDonnell.
However, a Patrick O’Connor two-pointer steadied the ship for Sligo, who, after the eight point victory, see their name in the hat for the quarter-final draw, which takes place on Monday morning at 8:30am.
Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford and Sligo will be in pot two for Monday's draw. Whereas, the four group winners, Limerick, Kildare, Wicklow and Fermanagh will be in pot one. Repeat pairings from the group stage will be kept apart.
