Weekend Preview

Over a relatively quiet weekend, the Energia Men’s All Ireland League Division 1A semi-finals and the promotion/relegation semi-finals across all other divisions are down for decision.

Locally the semi-finals of the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup also take place, together with the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Plate decider. There is also action in the Munster Women’s Division 1 Cup.

Cork Constitution lock horns with Clontarf in their Division 1A semi-final at Temple Hill. Clontarf ran out 30-26 winners when these sides met in Dublin, resulting in a losing bonus point for the Lilywhites, in early December. In late January, Cork Constitution ran out 27-26 winners at Temple Hill and Clontarf returned home with a losing bonus point. The winners will meet defending champions Terenure College or Lansdowne, who go head to head in a Dublin derby at Lakelands Park.

In the Division 1A/1B semi-final, Shannon welcome Old Belvedere to Thomond Park. Shannon were defeated 33-17 by UCD at Belfield in their final group game, while Old Belvedere climbed up to fourth place in Division 1B as they ran out bonus point 34-29 winners over Naas in County Kildare.

The winners will meet Old Wesley or Garryowen, who meet at Energia Park. Garryowen recorded a narrow 18-12 victory over Old Wesley at Dooradoyle, where the Dublin side claimed a losing bonus point. Old Wesley won the corresponding fixture in Dublin in early March 21-10.

Cashel entertain MU Barnhall at Spafield in the Division 1B/2A semi-final. Cashel ran out 24-19 winners in County Kildare in November, resulting in a losing bonus point for MU Barnhall. The County Kildare side recorded a 21-12 victory when these sides met in the Premier County. Queen’s University or Banbridge, who contest an Ulster derby at Dub Lane, await the winners in the final.

UL Bohemian, who slipped to ninth, as they were defeated 25-16 at home by Nenagh Ormond, welcome Sligo to Annacotty for their Division 2A/2B semi-final. Corinthians or Wanderers, who contest the other semi-final in Galway, await the winners in the decider.

Dolphin, who occupied the relegation places in Division 2B all season, are looking to avoid a second successive relegation. They go lock horns with Enniscorthy at Virgin Media Park in their Division 2B/2C semi-final. Dolphin claimed all points on offer from their 31-17 home win over Dungannon. The County Wexford side finished their group programme in fourth place, despite losing 24-5 to Omagh Academicals at the County Tyrone venue.

The winners will meet Galwegains or Bruff, who meet at Crowley Park in Galway in the final. These sides played out a 26-26 draw at the same venue in November, while Bruff ran out narrow 32-30 winners at the County Limerick venue in March.

Junior Preview

On Sunday, in the Bank of Ireland Junior Cup semi-finals, UCC, whose last triumph was in 1979, entertain Thomond, who last won the trophy in three successive years from 1989 to 1991 inclusive, at the Mardyke.

The winners will meet Kilfeacle, who won the trophy for the only time to date in 2002, or 2019 winners Highfield, who meet in West Tipperary.

Cobh Pirates and Fethard contest the Munster Junior Plate decider at Virgin Media Park. The Pirates are looking to win the trophy for the second time, with their only triumph to date in 2003, while the South Tipperary side are seeking their first triumph.

Dolphin and Tralee go head to head in the Munster Women’s Division 1 Cup semi-final at Virgin Media Park.