All Ireland League Gets Under Way

Fifteen sides set out this weekend with hopes of success at the end of April in the All Ireland League and with the Divisions being extended next season, the fear of relegation will be eased for several clubs.

It all starts on Friday evening at Dooradoyle with a Limerick derby when Garryowen host Young Munster in a game that kicks off at 7.30pm. The home side have not had a good pre-season and will have to improve if they are to be in with a chance of honours. Young Munster go into this tie full of confidence after retaining their Limerick Charity Cup title but came unstuck last weekend when U.L. Bohemian knocked them out of the ODM Financial Munster Senior Cup. However the odds must be on a win for the visitors despite the loss of scrum half Mike Prendergast for the season.

Defending champions Cork Constitution begin their defence with two successive trips to Dublin. They begin with a trip to Stradbrook where they face Blackrock College. Despite being short several of their top players they have proved that they have strength in depth after an excellent start and should begin their campaign with a victory.

There is a Munster derby at Musgrave Park when Dolphin host Shannon. Both sides looked like they would have major problems this season but Dolphin seem to be putting it together at the right time after their excellent performance last week when they defeated neighbours Sunday’s Well 48-6 in the Cup. Shannon disappointed to have made their exit to Bruff may have to wait another week before picking up their first points.

U.L. Bohemian relegated from the top flight will be anxious to make a quick return and they begin with a home tie against Galwegians in Division 1B and after last week’s boost they will fancy their chances of picking up the points.

Bruff following their promotion from the Second Division have already set out their stall and after that great win over Shannon last week will be one of the dark horses for promotion. They begin with a daunting task having to face Clontarf at Castle Avenue and will do well to come away from this tie with some points.

U.C.C. who have seen their squad being depleted for the second successive season will have it all to do to hold on their status. They had a good run in the Cork Charity Cup and last week opted to play in the Dudley Cup than the ODM Financial Munster Senior Cup. They begin with a home tie against Dungannon and a win would be a big boost for this young squad.

In Division Two there is a local derby at Rosbrien when Old Crescent take on Clonakilty. The Limerick side were very disappointed to have lost at home to Midleton last week in the Cup. They have struggled in recent seasons and will be out to make a winning start. Like wise Clonakilty have struggled in the opening stages of the league in the last few years but this year have made a better start and are aiming to clinch a promotion place and Saturday’s result will be a good indication if they can achieve this.

Thomond who disappointed with their result last week at Highfield face a long journey to Belfast to play Harlequins. They showed last week that can be serious contenders if they can reproduce the effort they showed in the first seventy minutes.

Newly promoted Midleton start with a home game against relegated Ballymena. The East Cork side have made a good start and will be boosted by that victory over Old Crescent last week and could start with a win.

There is also a Munster derby in Division Three when Nenagh Ormond entertain Highfield. Nenagh gave Con’ a run for their money last week, while Highfield will be full of confidence after last week’s late come back against Thomond and could return home with the points.

Sunday’s Well play hosts to Greystones on Sunday at Musgrave Park and after last week’s disappointing performance the home side will have to show a big improvement if they are to start with a victory.

Fixtures:

FRIDAY 1st OCTOBER

All IrelandLeague Division 1A:Garryowen v Young Munster,Dooradoyle,7.30;

SATURDAY 2nd OCTOBER

All IrelandLeague Division 1A:BlackrockCollegev Cork Constitution,Stradbrook,2.30;

Dolphin v Shannon,MusgravePark,2.30;

St. Mary's College v Old Belvedere,Templeville Road,2.30;

Division 1B:Buccaneers v Lansdowne,DubarryPark,2.30;

Clontarf v Bruff,Castle Avenue,2.30;

U.C.C. v Dungannon,Mardyke,2.30;

U.L. Bohemian v Galwegians,Annacotty,2.30;

Division 2:BelfastHarlequins v Thomond,DeramorePark,2.30;

Corinthians v Ballynahinch,CorinthianPark,2.30;

DublinUniversityv QueensUniversity,College Park,2.30;

Midleton v Ballymena,TownsPark,2.30;

Old Crescent v Clonakilty,Rosbrien,2.30;

Old Wesley v Malone,Donnybrook,2.30;

TerenureCollegev Bective Rangers,Lakelands,2.30;

U.C.D. v D.L.S.P.,Belfield,2.30;

Division 3:Ards v Naas,HamiltonPark,2.30;

Connemarav City of Derry,Monastery Field,2.30;

Nenagh Ormond v Highfield,Nenagh,2.30;

NUIM Barnhall v Banbridge,Barnhall,2.30;

Rainey Old Boys v Seapoint,HatrickPark,2.30;

Suttonians v Instonians,Station Road,2.30;

Wanderers v Navan,Merrion Road,2.30;

SUNDAY 3rd OCTOBER

All IrelandLeague Division 3: Sunday's Well v Greystones,MusgravePark,2.30;