Weekend Preview
16th October 2025 By The Editor

©INPHO
The Women’s All-Ireland League takes centre stage this weekend as the Men’s AIL takes a week’s break.
Defending Women’s AIL champions UL Bohemian, who are one point behind Galwegians in second place, welcome Old Belvedere to Limerick. UL Bohemian recorded a comprehensive 44-17 home win over Railway Union last time out, where they scored eight tries, to claim maximum points. Old Belvedere have slipped to sixth following their 27-6 home defeat by Blackrock College in a Dublin derby.
Ennis, who are third, travel to the Garden County to take on Wicklow, who are fourth. Ennis are looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign, following their narrow 17-12 home win over Ballincollig. Wicklow go into the tie on the back of a 36-17 away defeat by leaders Galwegians.
Ballincollig, who are second from bottom, go in search of their first win, as they entertain Cooke at Tanner Park. Ballincollig returned from their narrow 17-12 defeat by Ennis in the Banner County with a losing bonus point. The Belfast side have climbed up to seventh following their 21-5 home win over Tullow.
The Munster Junior League takes a two-week break, as the opening round games in the Munster Junior Clubs’ Challenge Cup, Munster Junior Clubs’ Challenge Shield and the Martin O’Sullivan Cup get under way.
In the opening round of the Munster Junior Clubs’ Challenge Cup, Clanwilliam welcome Sunday’s Well to Tipperary Town and Richmond go head to head with Old Christians at Canal Bank.
There are also two ties down for decision in West Cork. Skibbereen take on Newcastle West at the Carbery Showgrounds and Clonakilty entertain Thurles at the Vale.
In the Munster Junior Clubs’ Challenge Shield, St Senan’s host high flying Kinsale in the Banner County.
Crosshaven lock horns with Cobh Pirates in South Cork and the winners will be rewarded with home advantage against Waterpark or Carrick-on-Suir, who meet at Ballinakill.
Abbeyfeale welcome Fermoy to West Limerick and the winners will be rewarded with a home quarter final against Castleisland.
In the first round of the Martin O’Sullivan Cup, Douglas welcome Killarney to Castletreasure and the winners will have home advantage against Scariff in the quarter finals.
Waterford City go head to head with Galbally-Mitchelstown and the winners will be rewarded with a home quarter final against Dungarvan.