Weekend Preview

The Ulster Bank All Ireland League continues with a full program of games across all five divisions this weekend, together with the opening round of games in the All Ireland Junior Cup.

UL Bohemian and Shannon get the show on the road on Friday evening with their Ulster Bank League Division 1B encounter at Thomond Park. Shannon, who lead the table with four wins form four will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run, while UL Bohemian are hovering above the drop zone following their 34-17 away defeat against Ballynahinch last time out.

In Division 1A, defending champions Cork Constitution will be looking to make the most of home advantage count as they entertain Young Munster. The Lilywhites have slipped to fifth following their 24-10 defeat by Lansdowne at the Aviva Stadium, while the Limerick side have climbed out of the drop zone after claiming a losing bonus point last time out against Dublin University.

Third-placed Garryowen, who claimed a losing bonus point against leaders Terenure, welcome fourth-placed UCD to Dooradoyle, with the Dublin Students, who are fourth also coming off the back of a losing bonus point defeat against St Mary’s College.

On Saturday, struggling Dolphin face a tough assignment as they welcome fifth-placed Old Belvedere to Irish Independent Park, with the Dublin side coming off the back of a surprise 15-15 draw against bottom side Old Wesley.

UCC, who recorded a shock away win over high flying Naas in County Kildare will be expected to claim all points on offer, as they entertain bottom side Old Wesley at the Mardyke.

In Division 2A, the game of the day sees second-placed Nenagh Ormond travelling to the Palace Grounds to take on third-placed City of Armagh. The North Tipperary side recorded a comprehensive away win over Corinthians last time out while Armagh were defeated by struggling Blackrock College at Stradbrook.

Highfield, who recorded their second maximum bonus point win of the season against Greystones in County Wicklow, which moved them up to fourth place, will be expected to get a result as they host struggling Corinthians.

Cashel, who have climbed up to fifth following their 25-14 away win over Queen’s University, welcome bottom side Greystones to the Spafield.

The two Munster sides in Division 2B are away as leaders Old Crescent look to maintain their unbeaten run as they make the long trip north to take to City of Derry at Judge’s Road.

Sunday’s Well, who recorded two successive home wins over Ulster opposition to climb into fifth place, go in search of their first away win as they travel to Holmpatrick to take on Skerries.

In Division 2C Bruff, who recorded a maximum point away win over Tullamore face a tricky task as they welcome Seapoint to Kilballyowen Park.

Midleton, who haven’t won since the opening day of the campaign, will have their work cut out as they host Thomond, with both sides coming off the back of away defeats against Bective Rangers and Bangor respectively.

There are three Munster sides in action in the All Ireland Junior Cup on Saturday as Clonmel host Westport and Newcastle West also have a home tie against Enniscorthy.

Kilfeacle are the only Munster side on the road, as they travel to County Galway to take on Monivea.

Bandon were drawn away to Enniskillen but because of front row issues the west Cork side have conceded the game.

There are only two Junior games down for decision on Sunday.

Muskerry are at home to Castleisland in the Munster Junior Clubs Challenge Shield and the winners will be rewarded with a home quarter final against Crosshaven.

The first semi-final of the McElligott Cup sees Tralee taking on Killarney at O’Dowd Park.