All Ireland League Preview

After a break of six weeks it is back to All Ireland League action this weekend weather permitting, with the majority of the postponed games from December 4th going ahead.

Division 1A is still wide open with all eight sides still in with a chance of qualifying for the play offs but four Munster sides currently occupy the bottom four places and they will have to show a big improvement if they are to make the play offs.

Garryowen after their diSappointing defeat in the ODM Financial Munster Senior Cup Final last Sunday face a difficult task away to current leaders Old Belvedere and will do well to get something from this tie.

Cork Constitution in second place play hosts to St. Mary’s the side two points behind them in the table and after a few poor results before the Christmas break the Temple Hill side will be anxious to get back to winning ways.

There is a local derby at Clifford Park where Dolphin visit Young Munster and both sides desperately need points after a poor run of results in recent games.

Shannon who are in bottom place will be boosted by their win over Young Munster last day out and will be looking for a repeat performance when they play Blackrock College at Coonagh.

Bruff boosted by that fine victory in the Cup last week can take a big step towards a play off place in Division 1B when they travel to Lansdowne.

U.L. Bohemian will be anxious to turn things around with a home win against leaders Clontarf, while U.C.C. will want to follow up their win over U.L. last day out with another victory when they travel to bottom side Galwegians.

In Division 2 Midleton can continue their promotion push with a home victory over Old Wesley while the other three sides in this Division are all battling to avoid a relegation play off place.

Thomond face a daunting task away to promotion chasing Ballymena, while Old Crescent will be hoping that home advanatge may give them the edge against Belfast Harlequins.

Bottom side Clonakilty still looking for their first points of the campaign will be looking for a change of fortune when they host DLSP who are just above them in the table.

Sunday’s Well whose promotion aspirations have received a set back in recent weeks face a difficult trip away to leaders Instonians in Division 3.

Nenagh Ormond who have only played four games in the league will hope to turn their season around with a home win over Wanderers.

The Highfield NUMI Barnhall tie has been put back a week.

FIXTURES:
SATURDAY 8th JANUARY
All Ireland League Division 1A:Cork Constitution v St. Mary's College,Temple Hill,2.30;
Old Belvedere v Garryowen,Anglesea Road,2.30;
Shannon v Blackrock College,Coonagh,2.30;
Young Munster v Dolphin,Clifford Park,2.30;

Division 1B:Dungannon v Buccaneers,Stevenson Park,2.00;
Galwegians v U.C.C.,Crowley Park,2.30;
Lansdowne v Bruff,Aviva Stadium,2.30;
U.L. Bohemian v Clontarf,Annacotty,2.30;

Division 2:Ballymena v Thomond,Eaton Park,2.00;
Ballynahinch v Queens University,Ballymacarn Park,2.30;
Bective Rangers v Malone,Doonybrook,2.30;
Clonakilty v D.L.S.P.,The Vale,2.30;
Corinthians v U.C.D.,Corinthian Park,2.30;
Midleton v Old Wesley,Towns Park,2.30;
Old Crescent v Belfast Harlequins,Rosbrien,2.30;
Terenure College v Dublin University,Lakelands Park,2.30;

Division 3:Ards v Rainey Old Boys,Hamilton Park,2.30;
Greystones v Suttonians,Dr Hickey Park,2.30;
Instonians v Sunday's Well,Shaws Bridge,2.30;
Naas v Connemara,Founaughts,2.30;
Navan v Banbridge,Balreask Old,2.30;
Nenagh Ormond v Wanderers,Nenagh,2.30;
Seapoint v City of Derry,Kilbogget Park,2.30;