Weekend Preview

In a relatively quiet St Patrick’s Weekend there are three games involving Munster sides in the All Ireland League, together with several games across various competitions at Junior level.

On St Patrick’ Day, Cashel welcome Queen’s University to the Spafield in Division 2A of the All Ireland League. The Tipperary side are coming off the back of three successive wins and are fourth, while the Belfast Students are sixth. Cashel will be looking to make the most of home advantage count to maintain their promotion challenge and make it two wins out of two over the Belfast side.

On Bank Holiday Monday, Young Munster, who have climbed up to fifth following their 15-11 home win over Cork Constitution, travel to the Capital to take on Dublin University in Division 1A. The Limerick face a tricky task in a bid to avenge October’s 21-17 home defeat as the Dublin Students have climbed out of the drop zone following their win over Buccaneers last time out.

UL Bohemian have climbed out of the drop zone in Division 1B following their 26-22 victory over Shannon. They will be looking to make the most of home advantage count in a bid to take another step closer to safety as they entertain leaders Ballynahinch on the 4G Pitch at the UL Arena. The County Down side ran out 34-17 winners when these sides met at Ballymacarn Park.

There is one quarter final down for decision in the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup as Garryowen host Richmond at Dooradoyle on Sunday. The winners will be rewarded with a home semi-final tie against Shannon, Kilfeacle or Newcastle West.

In the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Plate, Thurles continue their defence of the trophy as they travel to North Cork to take on Mallow at St Joseph’s Road. The winners will be away to Clonakilty, Fethard or Ennis in the semi-finals.

Killorglin are at home to Old Christians and the winners will be away to Fermoy in the other semi-final.

In Division 1 of the Munster Junior League, Bandon welcome Abbeyfeale to Old Chapel and the West Cork side will be looking to make the most of home advantage count if they are to claim maximum points in a bid to keep their title challenge intact.

Former champions Clonmel should prove too strong for St Senan’s at the South Tipperary venue, with Clonmel aiming for a top four finish.

The Youghal and Galbally clash has been put back to Easter Sunday 1^st April.

Elsewhere there are two mid-table clashes. Clanwilliam host Waterpark in Tipperary Town and Kanturk take on Skibbereen in Duhallow.

In Division 2, third-placed St Marys will be expected to claim all points on offer from Friday evening’s encounter against Mitchelstown at Grove Island and overtake Thurles in second place.

On Sunday, Clonakilty will be looking to grind out a maximum point home win against Ballincollig in a bid to maintain their outside promotion challenge as they are five points adrift of second-placed Thurles in fourth place. Ballincollig are hovering above the drop zone, five pints ahead of Mitchelstown.

Muskerry and Waterford City go head to head at Ellis Park with both sides clear of the drop zone.

The only game in Division 3 sees Douglas-Carrigaline host Tralee, with South Cork side propping up the table with two losing bonus points. The Kerry side, will be looking to record their fifth win of a relatively disappointing campaign ahead of the play-off series to decide which Club will be promoted with Charleville.