Weekend Club Preview | All Ireland League Continues

The All Ireland League continues with a full programme of games across all five divisions and it is Cup action weekend on the Munster Junior front.

There are three Munster derbies on Friday evening.

UCC mark their home debut in Division 1A with a home tie against leaders and former Champions Cork Constitution. The Students, who claimed a losing bonus point against UCD at Belfield, will have their work cut out as the Lilywhites recorded a maximum-point home win over newly-promoted Shannon and have already defeated the students twice this season.

Shannon and Young Munster lock horns at Thomond Park. Shannon are propping up the table following their opening day defeat by Cork Constitution at Temple Hill, while Young Munster recorded 22-5 home win over Terenure College in their opener.

Nenagh Ormond will have their work cut out as they go in search of their first points in Division 2A and make the short trip to the UL Arena to take on UL Bohemian, on the 4G pitch. The North Tipperary side are second from bottom on zero points following two defeats, while UL Bohemian have climbed up to sixth place following their maximum-point away win over Galwegians.

On Saturday, Garryowen will be looking to make it two wins out of two as they entertain champions Lansdowne at Dooradoyle. The Sky Blues began their campaign with a 27-25 home win over Dublin University, while Lansdowne are seeking their first points following their 16-3 defeat by Clontarf at Castle Avenue.

Division 2A leaders Cashel will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run as they lock horns with Highfield, who claimed a losing bonus point against Queen’s University last time out, at the Spafield.

Dolphin face a tough assignment as they take on Old Crescent at Irish Independent Park. The Limerick side will be looking to bounce back from their 34-20 home defeat by Cashel, while Dolphin are seeking their first points following successive defeats by Cashel and Navan.

Sunday’s Well, who are third in Division 2B, will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run as they travel to Galway to take on struggling Corinthians.

There is a top of the table clash in Division 2C in East Cork which sees second-placed Midleton hosting leaders Bangor. Both sides enter the tie on the back of two maximum point wins each, with the County Down side in pole position on points difference.

Thomond, who have slipped to seventh place following their defeat by Bangor at Upritchard Park, will be looking to make the most of home advantage count as they welcome fourth-placed Omagh Academicals to Liam Fitzgerald Park.

Fifth-placed Bruff, who recorded a comprehensive 45-15 home win over City of Derry, travel to the Faithful County to take on struggling Tullamore.

The Munster Junior Clubs’ Challenge Cup, Munster Junior Clubs’ Challenge Shield and Martin O’Sullivan Cup all get underway this weekend.

In the Munster Junior Clubs’ Challenge Cup, holders Clonmel begin their defence of the trophy against Richmond in South Tipperary. The winners will be rewarded with a home quarter final tie against St Senan’s or last season’s finalists Waterpark, who lock horns at Jimmy Slattery Park.

The two West Limerick sides are at home to Cork opposition as Abbeyfeale entertain Skibbereen, with the winners at home to Newcastle West or Crosshaven.

Kilfeacle are at home to Galbally and the prize for the winners is a short trip to Tipperary Town to take on Clanwilliam.

Bandon welcome St Mary’s to West Cork and the winners will be away to Kanturk.

Junior Clubs’ Challenge Shield holders Clonakilty get their defence underway against Waterford City on Suirside. The winners will be rewarded with home advantage against Kinsale in the quarter finals.

Ballincollig welcome Castleisland to Tanner Park on Sunday. These sides met in Kerry on the opening day of the Munster Junior League campaign with Castleisland running out 34-19 winners. The winners will have a home quarter final tie against Thurles or Muskerry, who meet in the Premier County.

Cobh Pirates and Youghal lock horns in an East Cork derby at the Paddocks, with the winners at home to Old Christians or Fethard, who go head to head at Rathcooney.

Mallow take on Fermoy at St Joseph’s Road with the winners contesting another North Cork derby on home turf against Charleville.

There are three first round ties in the Martin O’Sullivan Cup down for decision on Saturday.

Tralee host Killorglin in a Kerry derby and the winners will have home advantage in the quarter finals against the winners of the West Cork derby between Dunmanway and Bantry Bay.

Holders Ennis begin their defence with a home tie against Douglas-Carrigaline on home turf and the winners will be rewarded with a home tie in the quarter-finals.