Weekend Preview | Clubs Return To All Ireland & Munster Junior League Action

The All Ireland League and Munster Junior League get underway this weekend.

In the All Ireland League, action begins with a full round of games in Division 2A, 2B and 2C, while Division 1A & 1B will not start until next weekend.

UL Bohemian, who were relegated from Division 1B, begin their campaign against Highfield on the 4G Pitch at the UL Arena in Division 2A.

Dolphin, who were also relegated, travel to the Premier County to take on Cashel at the Spafield. The Tipperary side, who finished fifth last season will be looking to record their second home win in the space of a month against the Leesiders, who they eliminated from the Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Cup.

Nenagh Ormond, whose promotion aspirations were ended by City of Armagh, travel to the Royal County to take on newly promoted Navan.

Old Crescent, who were the only unbeaten side last season with 17 wins from 18, travel to Belfast to take on Queen’s University.

Sunday’s Well are the only Munster side in Division 2B and they welcome Division 2C champions Sligo to Irish Independent Park.

Bruff, who preserved their AIL status by defeating Bandon in last season’s play-off, travel to East Cork to take on Midleton.

Thomond will be looking to return to Division 2B at the second time of asking as they welcome Seapoint to Liam Fitzgerald Park.

The Limerick side’s promotion aspirations were ended by Omagh Academicals and they will be looking to make the most of home advantage count as they aim to make life difficult for the Killiney side.

The first semi-final of the Bank of Ireland Senior Cup sees holders Garryowen continuing their defence of the trophy with a home semi-final against Shannon at Dooradoyle on Friday evening.

The Munster Junior League kicks off with a full programme of games across all three divisions.

On Saturday evening, defending champions Bandon get the defence of their title underway as they travel to Suirside to take on Waterpark.

Richmond, who will be looking to be one of the main challengers to Bandon’s crown, begin their campaign against Abbeyfeale in West Limerick on Sunday.

Former champions Clonmel are also on the road as they travel to Tipperary Town to take on Clanwilliam in a local derby.

Newcastle West will be aiming to get their bid for a top-four finish off to a winning start as they entertain Kanturk, who had an indifferent campaign following their relegation from the AIL.

The two promoted sides Crosshaven and St Mary’s lock horns in South Cork.

Skibbereen and Galbally, who both finished above the drop zone, go head to head at the Carbery Showgrounds and St Senan’s are at home to Kilfeacle.

In Division 2, Cobh Pirates face a tough assignment in their bid for a quick return to the top flight as they travel to Mid Tipperary to take on Thurles, who missed out on promotion after finishing a point behind St Mary’s in third place.

There are three Cork derbies as Youghal, who were relegated with their East Cork neighbours, away to Muskerry.

Division 3 champions Charleville entertain Old Christians and Fermoy, who were promoted with their North Cork neighbours via the play-offs, will have their work cut out as they take on Clonakilty at the Showgrounds.

Three Cork sides are on the road as Ballincollig travel to the Kingdom to play Castleisland, Mallow are away to Fethard and Kinsale go head to head with Waterford City on Suirside.

Killorglin and Dungarvan lock horns in Mid Kerry with both sides looking to mount challenges for promotion.

Dunmanway will be participating in the Munster Junior League for the third time and they make the long trip to the West Kerry Gaeltacht to take on Chorca Dhuibhne.

Scariff, who are also returning to the Junior League after a few years absence are away to Bantry Bay and Douglas-Carrigaline host Mitchelstown.

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