Weekend Preview

There is a full program of games across all five divisions of the All Ireland League as well as a handful of games in the Munster Junior League and the semi-finals of the divisional knock-out competitions.

Proceedings get under way in Davison 1A of the All Ireland League as Garryowen and Shannon lock horns in a Limerick derby at Dooradoyle, with both sides in mid-table. The Sky Blues have climbed up to fifth place following their narrow 17-16 away win over bottom side Terenure College, while Shannon have slipped to sixth, following their 32-15 home defeat by Lansdowne.

New leaders Cork Constitution, who have claimed pole position following their narrow 16-13 away win over Clontarf, welcome Young Munster, who are hovering above the drop zone to Temple Hill. The Limerick side were held to a 34-34 draw by UCD at Tom Clifford Park last time out.

UCC, who finally recorded their first win in the top flight by claiming maximum points against Dublin University, face a tough assignment as they travel to the Capital to take on defending champions Lansdowne, who are third.

In Division 2A, leaders Highfield will be looking to maintain their good run as they travel to North Tipperary to take on Nenagh Ormond, with the Premier County side hovering above the drop zone following their 29-15 defeat by Old Crescent at Rosbrien.

Second-placed Cashel are away to fourth-placed Queen’s University. The Belfast Students were defeated 24-17 by Navan in County Meath last time out, while Cashel recorded a 24-20 home win over UL Bohemian.

Dolphin, who have climbed up to seventh following their narrow 20-16 victory over Blackrock College at Irish Independent Park, face a tough assignment as they travel to Limerick to take on fifth placed UL Bohemian on the 4G pitch at UL.

Old Crescent have climbed to sixth following their 29-15 home win over Nenagh Ormond and they travel to the Capital to take on struggling Blackrock College.

Sunday’s Well are sixth in Division 2B and they welcome fourth-placed Rainey Old Boys to Irish Independent Park, with the Leesiders coming off the back of three successive defeats since their last win over Dungannon in October.

Midleton have slipped to third in Division 2C following their defeat by Ballina in North Mayo and they will be looking to make the most of home advantage count as they entertain seventh-placed City of Derry at Towns Park.

Second-placed Bruff are away to sixth-placed Malahide and Thomond, who are now propping up the table are at home to fellow strugglers Tullamore, who have climbed out of the drop zone.

There is one game in each division of the Munster Junior League.

In Division 1, Galbally, who are propping up the table, face a tricky task as they host Waterpark. The County Limerick side are still without a win on six points, while the Suirsiders, who are joint seventh with Abbeyfeale, will be looking to bounce back from their 32-24 defeat by St Senan’s in the Banner County.

Division 2 leaders Mallow should prove too strong for Youghal in East Cork and Douglas-Carrigaline take on Chorca Dhuibhne at Mahon in Division 3 with both sides tied on five points with one win apiece.

Kilfeacle welcome Bandon to West Tipperary on Saturday afternoon for the first semi-final of the Munster Junior Clubs’ Challenge Cup a visit Bandon will have to repeat in the Junior Cup in the New Year.

Richmond and Newcastle West contest the second semi-final under lights at Richmond Park later that evening.

Ballincollig and Thurles, who are both occupying the relegation places in Division 2 of the Junior League, go head to head at Tanner Park in the last remaining quarter-final of the Munster Junior Clubs’ Challenge Shield with a trip to Clonakilty awaiting the winners.

Cobh Pirates, who are hovering above the drop zone, will have their work cut out as they entertain Charleville in the first semi-final tie.

Ennis continue their defence of the Martin O’Sullivan Cup as they travel to Castleisland to take on Killarney and Killorglin are at home to Mitchelstown in the other semi-final.