Munster Clubs In AIL Action Tomorrow

The Ulster Back All-Ireland League resumes tomorrow with 17 Munster clubs in action, check out our match previews with the Munster derby between Young Munster and Cork Con the pick of the bunch.

Click here for a comprehensive list of fixtures in Munster this weekend.

*Kick-off 2:30pm unless otherwise stated.

Division 1A

Young Munster (8th) v Cork Constitution (4th), Tom Clifford Park

Cork Constitution started the New Year in good stead, but back-to-back defeats to Ballynahinch and St. Mary's were a cause for concern. They are still in the last play-off spot, albeit with a number of sides nipping at their heels.

Darragh Lyons, Gerry Hurley, Ger Sweeney and Andrew O'Driscoll all saw action for the Ireland Club team last weekend. Out-half Lyons was Con's only scorer when they lost 9-6 at home to Young Munster in November.

You have to go back to December 6 for Munsters' last league triumph. Their run of four straight defeats includes narrow losses to Dolphin and Terenure, so they will hope for better luck in the familiar surroundings of Tom Clifford Park.

Recent League Meetings – Saturday, April 12, 2014: Young Munster 23 Cork Constitution 24, Tom Clifford Park; Saturday, November 1, 2014: Cork Constitution 6 Young Munster 9, Temple Hill

Dolphin (10th) v Old Belvedere (7th), Irish Independent Park

Dolphin will be hoping the presence of Joe Schmidt in the clubhouse will inspire their players in their continued battle to avoid relegation from Division 1A.

The Ireland head coach is their special guest for the pre-match lunch on Saturday as Steve Ford's men chase their third home win in four league games. Dolphin grabbed a late draw away to 'Belvo in November thanks to a Stuart Lee penalty.

But if the Paul Cunningham-coached Dubliners can show the sort of form that earned them a recent bonus point victory over Young Munster, they could succeed in Cork.

Recent League Meetings – Saturday, April 12, 2014: Old Belvedere 21 Dolphin 15, Anglesea Road; Saturday, November 1, 2014: Old Belvedere 22 Dolphin 22, Anglesea Road

Division 1B

Belfast Harlequins (7th) v Shannon (6th), Deramore Park

Preview: Belfast Harlequins' second successive game against Limerick opposition sees them hosting Shannon in a crunch mid-table clash at Deramore Park.

Ulster back rower Sean Reidy will be available for 'Quins, who were edged out by Garryowen (17-16) last time out. Mark Kettyle comes back in at out-half and Mark Glover makes the move to the wing.

Tries from Lee Nicholas and Dave Evans, two of Shannon's stand-out players, helped them see off Corinthians in the previous round. Their away win over leaders Galwegians last month showed what they are capable of on the road.

Recent League Meetings – Saturday, March 29, 2014: Belfast Harlequins 15 Shannon 16, Deramore Park; Saturday, November 1, 2014: Shannon 21 Belfast Harlequins 26, Thomond Park main pitch

Dublin University (3rd) v Garryowen (2nd), College Park

Another huge match in the context of promotion as third-placed Dublin University take on Garryowen, who are just two points above them in the Division 1B standings.

Trinity remain the division's form team, their 41-19 dismissal of Malone last time out extending their enviable winning streak to ten matches (nine wins and a draw).

Garryowen were far from impressive three weeks ago when beating Belfast Harlequins by a point. They will be out for revenge against the students who, thanks to Jack McDermott's reliable boot, won 14-8 at Dooradoyle in November.

Recent League Meeting – Saturday, November 1, 2014: Garryowen 8 Dublin University 14, Dooradoyle

UL Bohemian (10th) v Malone (8th), Annacotty

UL Bohemians fell to bottom spot following a heavy 33-12 beating by Ballymena last time out, which was a fourth successive loss for Colm Tucker's charges.

With three points separating Bohs from seventh-placed Harlequins, Tucker and his players will be well aware what a difference a home win could make this weekend. The game will take place at Annacotty where the club have been granted permission to build a new clubhouse.

Visitors Malone have only won one of their last seven league games, falling to eighth place overall. However, they are capable of turning it on and watch out for full-back Andy Bryans, who bagged two tries in his last two outings.

Recent League Meetings – Saturday, February 15, 2014: UL Bohemians 39 Malone 34, UL all-weather pitch; Saturday, November 1, 2014: Malone 23 UL Bohemians 10, Gibson Park

Division 2A

Dungannon (16th) v Cashel (6th), Stevenson Park

Dungannon's two wins and a try bonus are scant reward for their endeavour this season but they are side struggling to find their depth.

Cashel have climbed the divisions the hard way and despite the lure of Limerick or Cork they have toughed it out in the Munster player pool.

An away win is the most likely result and it would keep the Tipp side in the mix.

Nenagh Ormond (10th) v Queens (4th), New Ormond Park

Nenagh Ormond put in a highly creditable shift against Old Wesley in their last outing and took a losing bonus point from the affair.

On that form they should pose a real problem for the students from Queens on Saturday.

The Ulster side won well against Dungannon in their last encounter but their hosts will be a tougher prospect on Saturday.

Thomond (8th) v UCC (12th), Liam Fitzgerald Park

The home side are five and five for the season so far – the next few games will tip the balance one way or the other.

UCC were in action last weekend against Old Wesley so may be a little sharper but they will have to work hard to get a result on the road.

Division 2B

Bruff (7th) v Midleton (6th), Kilballyowen Park

Just a point between the two clubs as they clash on Saturday and both still in the hunt at the business end of the table.

Bruff edged Old Crescent in a low scoring affair last time out while Midleton were beaten by league leaders Highfield.

All set up for a tight game in Kilballyowen Park on Saturday then.

Greystones (5th) v Kanturk (12th), Dr. Hickey Park

Greystones are another side in the pack at the top of the table, despite losing to Tullamore in their last game.

Kanturk's 12th place belies some terrific performances this season – two try bonuses and four losing bonuses back that up.

This could be a very tight game.

Navan (9th) v Highfield (1st), Balreask Old

Navan welcome the unbeaten league leaders to Balreask on Saturday, hoping to make build on their win over Sligo in their last game.

Highfield had a strong win over Midleton in their last game and should be favourites for the win again this weekend.

An away win on the cards.

Old Crescent (8th) v Ards (16th), Rosbrien

Mixed fortunes for Old Crescent in their last two games – a loss to Bruff followed a win over Wanderers.

They welcome bottom side Ards this weekend. The Ulster side have garnered just a single point so far in the campaign and will look to rebuild next season.

Richmond (15th) v Sunday's Well (4th), Richmond Park

Second from bottom and trailing Boyne by six points, Richmond are, like Ards, staring at relegation unless they can turn things around.

Saturday offers little solace as Sunday's Well are in the top 4 and tipping along well.