Weekend Preview

The AIL kicks off this weekend with a full program of games across all five divisions.

The game of the day in Division 1A of the AIL is the meeting of the champions of the last two seasons at Lakelands Park. Defending champions Cork Constitution are away to the 2023 champions, Terenure College.

Young Munster also travel to the Capital to take on UCD at Belfield, and Garryowen, who are back in the top flight after a one-year absence, welcome Lansdowne to Dooradoyle.

Highfield, who missed out on a play-off place, following their 31-10 defeat by Garryowen at Dooradoyle, welcome Naas to Woodleigh Park in Division 1B.

Division 2A champions Nenagh Ormond entertain Dublin University, who finished bottom of Division 1A last season in North Tipperary.

UCC, who finished in mid-table, travel to the Capital to take on Old Belvedere, who were defeated 34-3 by Garryowen at Dooradoyle in last season’s promotion play-off, at Ollie Campbell Park.

Shannon, who were relegated from Division 1A, are also in Dublin. They take on Old Wesley, who were defeated 32-21 by Garryowen, in last season’s relegation playoff at Energia Park

There is a Munster derby in Division 2A , as Old Crescent and Cashel go head to head at Takumi Park. Cashel were narrowly defeated 25-23 by MU Barnhall in last season’s promotion play-off semi-final, while Old Crescent finished in mid-table.

UL Bohemian, who were relegated from Division 2A, entertain Sligo in Division 2B at Annacotty. The Limerick side narrowly defeated Sligo 13-12 at the same venue in the semi-final of last seasons’s play-off.

In Division 2C, Bruff, who were defeated 40-17 by Galwegians at Crowley Park in last season’s promotion play-off semi-final, welcome Dolphin, who were relegated for the second successive year, to Kilballyowen Park.

Midleton, who finished in mid-table, welcome Monkstown, who make their return to the AIL after a considerable absence, to East Cork.

Clonmel travel to County Tyrone, to take on Omagh Academicals, who avoided relegation, at the Thomas Mellon Playing Fields.

There is an assortment of local finals in South Munster, North Munster, Tipperary and Kerry. In South Munster and Waterford, action continues in the Cork Charity Cup and Casey Cup respectively.

The final series of group games in the Casey Cup is down for decision in Waterford, with both games taking place at the home of Waterford City RFC at Kilbarry.

Leaders Waterpark take on second-placed Waterford City, with one point separating these sides.

Carrick-on-Suir go head to head with Dungarvan, who are tied on four points apiece.

The re-scheduled Garryowen Cup final takes place in the Premier County on Saturday, as Fethard lock horns with Clanwilliam.

On Sunday, the Transfield Cup decider in North Munster, is a Limerick City derby between St Mary’s and Thomond.

In South Munster, Clonakilty and Mallow go head to head in the Cork County Cup decider. This is a repeat of the 2022 decider, which was won by the North Cork side.

Highfield go head to head with near neighbours UCC in the second semi-final of the Cork Charity Cup, with Cork Constitution awaiting the winners in the decider.

There are three finals down for decision in the Kingdom.

Chorca Dhuibhne welcome last year’s beaten finalists Tralee to the West Kerry Gaeltacht for the McElligott Cup decider.

Abbeyfeale go head to head with Castleisland in the Galwey-Foley Cup final and Killorglin host near neighbours Killarney in the McGillycuddy Cup decider.