The Laois senior footballers have learned their opponents for the Tailteann Cup following the draw this afternoon.
This is the first time that the second tier competition has been run using a group stage.
Last year, in its inaugural staging, the cup was straight knock-out with Laois losing in Round 1 to eventual champions Westmeath.
But now, Laois have been drawn against Cavan, Offaly and London.
Laois entered the competition as Third seeds based on their performance in the league where they finished third in Division 4.
Laois are due to begin the Tailteann Cup away to Cavan on May 13 or 14.
They will then be at home to Offaly the following week before concluding the group against London at a neutral venue on June 3 or 4.
In order to progress, Laois must finish first or second in the group to be absolutely guaranteed.
The top team in each group goes straight through to the Tailteann Cup quarter-finals, while the second-placed teams go into the preliminary quarter-finals.
The three third-placed teams with the best records also go into the preliminary quarter-finals, while the third placed team with the worst record and all fourth placed teams will be eliminated from the championship.
That final spot will go to New York who will enter at that stage of the competition.
The preliminary quarter-finals will be played on June 10/11 and the quarter-finals, which will be played a week later.
The Tailteann Cup semi-finals will be played on June 24/25 and the final on July 15/16 – with those fixtures down for Croke Park.
The winner of the competition will be guaranteed a spot in the Sam Maguire next year.
After missing out on promotion in the league, Laois defeated Wexford in the Leinster championship and then lost to Dublin in the quarter final.
Group 1
Cavan
Offaly
Laois
London
Group 2
Meath
Down
Tipperary
Waterford
Group 3
Limerick
Wicklow
Longford
Carlow
Group 4
Fermanagh
Antrim
Wexford
Leitrim
Meanwhile, the draw for the Sam Maguire Cup has also been made.
Group 1
Winner Kerry/Clare
Loser Dublin/Louth
Mayo
Cork
Group 2
Winner Galway/Sligo
Loser Armagh/Derry
Tyrone
Westmeath
Group 3
Winner Dublin/Louth
Loser Galway/Sligo
Roscommon
Kildare
Group 4
Winner Armagh/Derry
Loser Kerry/Clare
Monaghan
Donegal
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