Weekend Junior Preview

In Division 1 of the Munster Junior League, the West Limerick derby, which sees Newcastle West hosting Abbeyfeale, doubles up as a Munster Junior Clubs’ Challenge Cup quarter final. The winners will be away to Richmond in the semi-final next week.

Abbeyfeale go into the tie on the back of successive wins over St Senan’s and Waterpark, while Newcastle West should prove too strong following their comprehensive victory over Clanwilliam.

Skibbereen who have slipped to sixth following their heavy defeat by Clonmel in South Tipperary, will be looking to make the most of home advantage count s they lock horns with West Cork neighbours and defending champions Bandon.

Bandon have climbed up to third following their comprehensive home win over Crosshaven last time out.

Table toppers and former champions Clonmel will be expected to maintain their unbeaten run as they travel to County Limerick to take on Galbally, who are propping up the table on six points and still seeking their first win.

Near neighbours St Mary’s and Richmond lock horns in a Limerick City derby at Grove Island, with Richmond, who are second expected to maintain their challenge for a top four finish, while St Mary’s are second from bottom following their defeat by Kilfeacle.

Kanturk face a tough assignment following their defeat by Waterpark as they welcome Kilfeacle to Duhallow and Crosshaven, who are hovering above the drop zone are at home to Clanwilliam.

There are three Cork derbies in Division 2.

The game of the day sees runaway leaders Mallow taking on second-placed Clonakilty at St Joseph’s Road. Both sides put their unbeaten records on the line with Mallow holding an eight point advantage over the West Cork side.

The North Cork side should prove too strong for Clonakilty following their comprehensive victory over Ballincollig, while the West Cork side go into the tie on the back of a narrow 18-13 home win over Fethard.

Third-placed Kinsale will be expected to claim all points on offer from their home meeting with struggling Ballincollig and Old Christians and Cobh Pirates, who are both hovering above the drop zone, go head to head at Rathcooney.

Fermoy, who are fourth following their North Cork derby win over Charleville, will be looking to continue their recent good run as they take on Waterford City on Suirside.

Elsewhere, fifth-placed Muskerry are away to bottom side Thurles, Fethard are at home to Youghal in a mid-table clash and Charleville entertain Castleisland.

New Division 3 leaders Tralee travel to North Cork to take on Mitchelstown in their top of the table clash, with the North Cork side looking to make the most of home advantage count in a bid to claim all points on offer and reclaim pole position.

Killarney, who are third following four successive wins, are away to Bantry Bay, who ran out 62-20 away winners over Chorca Dhuibhne and fourth-placed Dungarvan welcome Ennis, who are sixth, to West Waterford.

Killorglin should prove too strong for Chorca Dhuibhne in a Kingdom derby in Mid Kerry, while Scariff and Dunmanway go in search of their first points in East Clare.