Munster Junior League Preview

The clash of defending champions Clonmel and Richmond is set to be the highlight of this weekend’s Munster Junior League action with a full programme of games taking place.

Castleisland and Ballincollig get the show on the road on Saturday evening in Division 2 of the Munster Junior League at the Kerry venue. The home side, who claimed a losing bonus point against Presentation in Limerick last week, will have their work cut out as Ballincollig look to get back to winning ways after only claiming a losing bonus point in their local derby against Crosshaven .

The game of the day in Division 1 on Sunday sees defending champions Clonmel taking on Richmond at the Limerick venue. The South Tipperary side will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start to their bid for a fourth successive title, while Richmond are looking to return to winning ways following their 6-5 defeat by Bandon in West Cork.

Second-placed St Senan’s also be looking to maintain their unbeaten run as they travel to County Limerick to take on Galbally.

Last season’s runners-up, Bandon, face a tricky task as they travel to the Premier County to take on Kilfeacle, who were defeated 14-10 by arch rivals Clanwilliam in Tipperary Town last week.

Former AIL side Clonakilty, who have claimed losing bonus points from their first two games, will be looking to make the most of home advantage in a bid to record their first win as they welcome Clanwilliam to West Cork.

Third-placed Cobh Pirates will be expected to get a result from their local derby against bottom side Old Christians at the Paddocks.

In the other ties, Skibbereen host Newcastle West and Muskerry go head to head with Abbeyfeale at Ballyanly.

St Mary’s and Waterpark, who were both relegated from Division 1, lock horns at Grove Island in the game of the day in Division 2. This game also doubles up as a Munster Junior Clubs Challenge Shield opener, with the winners away to Youghal or Presentation in the quarter-finals.

Leaders Youghal and second-placed Waterford City will both be expected to win their respective home ties against Charleville and Kinsale.

Thurles will be looking to get their promotion challenge back on track as they host Presentation, who have a game in hand.

Crosshaven will be looking to make home advantage count as they take on Ennis at Myrtleville Cross.

Tralee and Mallow, who are both without a win, lock horns at O’Dowd Park. Both sides claimed losing bonus points against Waterford City.

In Division 3, Dungarvan are away to Fethard and the West Waterford side will be expected to return home with the points as they aim for promotion.

Chorca Dhuibhne host Bantry Bay with both sides coming off the back of opening day defeats against Douglas–Carrigaline and Mitchelstown respectively.

Mitchelstown make their home debut against Killorglin with both sides having won their openers against Bantry Bay and Fethard.

Fermoy, who were the nearest challengers to the two promoted sides, Youghal and Crosshaven last season face a tough opener as they welcome leaders Douglas–Carrigaline to the Showgrounds.

Munster Junior League Fixtures

Saturday 8th October
Division 2: Castleisland v Ballincollig, Castleisland, 7.30pm;

Sunday 9th October (Kick off 2.30pm)
Division 1: Clonakilty v Clanwilliam, The Vale;
Cobh Pirates v Old Christians, Cobh;
Galbally v St. Senan's, Galbally;
Kilfeacle v Bandon, Kilfeacle;
Muskerry v Abbeyfeale, Ballyanly;
Richmond v Clonmel, Richmond Park;
Skibbereen v Newcastle West, Skibbereen;

Division 2: Crosshaven v Ennis, Crosshaven;
St. Mary's v Waterpark, Grove Island;
Thurles v Presentation, Thurles;
Tralee v Mallow, Tralee;
Waterford City v Kinsale, Waterford;
Youghal v Charleville, Youghal;

Division 3: Chorca Dhuibhne v Bantry Bay, Ballydavid;
Fermoy v Douglas-Carrigaline, Fermoy;
Fethard v Dungarvan, Fethard;
Mitchelstown v Killorglin, Mitchelstown;