Weekend Club Preview

The Ulster Bank All Ireland League continues this weekend with a full programme of games across all five divisions as well as the opening games in Division 1 & 2 of the Munster Junior League.

Check out our comprehensive fixture list here.

Nenagh Ormond and Cashel get the show on the road in a Premier County derby at New Ormond Park in Division 2A. The home side will be looking to make it two wins out of two, while Cashel will be seeking their first points.

Last season’s Division 1A runners-up Cork Constitution go head to head with Young Munster in a repeat of last season’s semi-final at Temple Hill, which Con’ won at the same venue.
The Leesiders defeated St Mary’s College in Dublin last time out, while Munsters claimed two bonus points from their opening day defeat by Old Belvedere.

Garryowen, who were defeated 32-25 by Lansdowne in their opener at Dooradoyle, face a tough assignment as they travel to the Capital to take on Old Belvedere at Anglesea Road.

Division 1B leaders UL Bohemian welcome Ballynahinch to Thomond Park for their top of the table clash with both sides going into the game on the back of maximum point opening day wins.

Dolphin who are propping up the table, face a tricky task as they travel to Dublin to take on Old Wesley at Donnybrook.

UCC travel to Galway to take on Galwegians with both sides having claimed a losing bonus point each last time out.

Shannon travel to Athlone to take on Buccaneers with both sides on the back of opening day defeats.

Highfield, who recorded a dramatic late victory in their opener against Queen’s University in Division 2A, travel to Belfast to take on third-placed Malone.

Bottom side Sunday’s Well host Blackrock College at Irish Independent Park.

Old Crescent travel to County Kildare to take on MU Barnhall at Parsonstown in Division 2B and Thomond host Bective Rangers at Liam Fitzgerald Park.

Division 2C leaders Midleton travel to County Limerick to take on Bruff, who were defeated by Boyne in their opener in Drogheda.

Kanturk will have their work cut out in a bid to claim their first points as they lock horns with Seapoint, who won their opener against Tullamore in Killiney.

Action also gets underway in the top two Divisions of the Munster Junior League on Sunday.

Defending champions Clonmel face a tough opener as they welcome last season’s runners-up Bandon to South Tipperary. The West Cork side have been boosted by the acquisition of French coach Regis Sonnes and a number of new recruits.

Richmond, who will also be expected to mount a challenge for the title host Clanwilliam in their opener.

Abbeyfeale, who were runaway leaders in Division 2 last season, face a tough opener as they travel to West Tipperary to take on Kilfeacle.

The other promoted side Cobh Pirates, who are back in the top flight after a one-year absence, face a tricky assignment as they take on Galbally at the County Limerick venue.

In other ties, Clonakilty welcome St Senan’s to the Vale, Muskerry host Newcastle West at Ballyanly and Skibbereen lock horns with Old Christians at the Carbery Showgrounds.

Waterpark and St Mary’s who were both relegated form the top flight, will both be aiming for promotion at the first attempt.

The Waterford side make the long trip to the Kingdom to take on Castleisland and St Mary’s host Mallow at Grove Island.

Thurles and Kinsale, who will also be expected to be challenging for promotion lock horns at the Tipperary venue.

Youghal and Crosshaven, who were both promoted after one season in Division 3, begin their campaigns with home ties against Ennis and Presentation respectively.

Charleville, who avoided an instant return to Division 3, entertain Ballincollig at Smith’s Road and Tralee open their campaign against Waterford City at Kilbarry.

The Donal Walsh U20.5 League also begins this weekend and is being organised under a new format this year. 13 teams have been entered. In order to ascertain the strength of each squad, all 13 teams are taking part in two Blitz Days this Sunday and next Sunday, October 2.

This Sunday, a Blitz involving seven clubs in Pool 1 will be held in Cork Constitution's grounds in Temple Hill starting at 12 noon. Meanwhile Pool 2, involving six teams, will participate in a Blitz in UCC grounds, The Farm, beginning at 1pm.

On the following Sunday the seven teams in Pool 1 will gather in Shannon's grounds in Coonagh while the Pool 2 teams will assemble in Garryowen's grounds in Dooradoyle, with 1pm kick-off times at both venues. The Munster Branch is indebted to all four clubs for making their excellent facilities available for these much anticipated events.

Over the two days each team will play each other team in their pool, resulting in each Pool 1 team playing six games while each Pool 2 teams will play five games over the two days.The top four teams in each Pool will play in the Donal Walsh Division 1 League beginning on October 15. The other 5 teams will play in a Second Division, also beginning on October 15.

The Pool 1 teams playing in Temple Hill this Sunday and Coonagh the following Sunday are:
Bruff, Cork Constitution, Dolphin, Highfield, Shannon, Sunday's Well and Thomond.

The Pool 2 teams playing in The Farm and Dooradoyle are:
Garryowen, Kanturk, Old Crescent, UCC, ULBohemians and Young Munster.

The top Under 20.5 players in Munster will be on show over the two days. Top class games, each lasting 30 minutes, are anticipated. Entry is free to all spectators with the future of Munster Rugby on view.