AIB League Fixtures have been announced

The Fixtures for the AIB League for the coming season have been announced.

This year will see the First Division split into two sections of eight with each side playing home and away against the other sides in their section. The sections are based on last season’s position in the league with the top eight playing in Section A and the remainder in Section B.

The semi finals of the First Division will see the top side in Section A at home to the third side in Section A and the second team in Section A will be at home to the top side in Section B.

The bottom two sides in Section A will be relegated to Section B and the top two sides in Section B will be promoted to Section A.

Division Two and Three will have sixteen sides each with the top four playing off at the end of the league.

The top two teams in Division Two will be promoted to Section B of Division 1and the bottom two sides in Section B Division 1 will be relegated to Division 2.
The top two teams in Division 3 will be promoted to Division 2 and the bottom two sides in Division 2 will be relegated to Division 3.

The winners of the All Ireland Provincial League will replace the bottom side in Division 3 and the second last side in Division 3 will play off at home against the side that finished runners up in the All Ireland Provincial League.

The opening days fixtures will see the defending champions Shannon cross the city to play Garryowen. There will also be a local derby in Cork in Section A of Division 1 with Dolphin playing hosts to Cork Constitution and U.L. Bohemian will open their campaign with a home tie against Blackrock College.

In Section 1B newly promoted U.C.C. face a difficult opener away to Old Belvedere, while Young Munster play hosts to Buccaneers.

In the Second Division Highfield start their campaign with a home tie against Bruff. Thomond have home advantage in their opening game against Greystones while both Clonakilty and Old Crescent travel on the opening day. The West Cork side face DLSP while Old Crescent make the long journey to Belfast Harlequins.

In the Third Division Nenagh Ormond are the only Munster side favoured with a home draw as they entertain Connemara, while both Cork sides will be on the road. Midleton travel to Naas and Sunday’s Well are up in Magherafelt where they will play Rainey Old Boys.

All the fixtures are now on this website