Weekend Preview

An exciting week ahead with the AIB All Ireland Cup and Heineken Munster Junior League getting underway.

This season’s sees all 48 Senior Clubs play in the AIB Cup for the first time with the Second and Third Division battling it out in the opening round this weekend.

The top game should be the meeting of Bruff and Highfield. Both had good campaigns in their respective Charity Cups and there should be little between them at the finish.

Three sides have the added expense of travelling north. Clonakilty head for Derry, while Young Munster face Instonians and Nenagh Ormond travel to Ballynahinch.

The two sides relegated from the First Division Belfast Harlequins and Buccaneers head south. The Connacht side face Waterpark, while Thomond entertain Harlequins.

Midleton are away to Co. Carlow and on last week’s showing could advance. Home advantage should see Old Crescent get the better of newcomers Naas, and the same should apply to U.C.C. who entertain Old Wesley at the Mardyke.

Sunday’s Well will play their away game with Trinity at Musgrave Park on Monday night with a 7.00 kick off.

The Heineken Munster Junior League gets underway with seventeen games listed across all three divisions. Newcomers Killorglin will have to wait another week before making their debut in the competition.

Champions Crosshaven begin their defence with a home tie against Second Division champions Bandon. Newport making their debut in the First Division begin with a difficult home tie against Kilfeacle.

There are also two other Tipperary derby games in the top flight with Clanwilliam at home to Cashel and Clonmel visit Thurles. In the other remaining tie Richmond could make a winning start at home to Skibbereen.

In the Second Division the odds are on two of the three relegated sides to gain promotion. Kanturk should get the better of Muskerry, but both Ennis and St. Senan’s face difficult ties away to the two promoted clubs Newcastle West and Fermoy.

Two interesting derbies in Cork with Old Christians meeting Mallow and Ballincollig travel to Douglas. The other tie sees Tralee at home to Abbeyfeale.

In the Third Division Castleisland hoping for a quick return to the Second Division travel to Carrick-on-Suir while the other relegated side St. Mary’s travel to Killarney.

High flying Kinsale should pick up maximum points from their trip to Dungarvan and there should be little in the other two ties when Charleville play hosts to Presentation and Waterford City visit Galbally.