Weekend Preview

SENIOR PREVIEW
Across a busy weekend, the Men’s All-Ireland League resumes after a three-week break with a full round of games across all five divisions.

The Women’s All-Ireland League also resumes following a two-week break.

The three Munster sides in Division 1A of the Men’s All-Ireland League are all in action against Dublin opposition.
Cork Constitution, who have climbed up to third place, welcome St Mary’s College, who have claimed pole position, to Temple Hill. The

Lilywhites go into the tie on the back of a narrow 27-24 victory over Clontarf in Dublin. St Mary’s College recorded a maximum-point 28-21 home win over near neighbours Terenure College last time out. St Mary’s College ran out narrow 27-26 winners when these sides met in Dublin. The Leesiders claimed two bonus points, as they scored four tries.

Young Munster travel to the Capital to take on Old Belvedere at Ollie Campbell Park. The Limerick side have climbed up to fourth place following their comprehensive 82-21 home win over UCD. Old Belvedere are in eighth place, ten points clear of the relegation places. Old Belvedere were defeated 41-34 by Lansdowne in a Dublin derby at the Aviva Stadium in a ten-try thriller. Old Belvedere claimed two bonus points, as they scored four tries. Young Munster won November’s corresponding fixture 22-13 in Limerick.

Bottom side Nenagh Ormond, who are still without a win, go head to head with sixth-placed Lansdowne in North Tipperary. Nenagh Ormond were defeated 47-0 by Ballynahinch in County Down. Lansdowne claimed maximum points from their 41-34 home win over Old Belvedere, which produced ten tries. Lansdowne recorded a 62-17 point victory when they met Nenagh Ormond in Dublin, to claim all points on offer.

It is derby day on Leeside in Division 1B as Highfield, who have climbed up to fourth, lock horns with seventh-placed UCC at the Mardyke. Highfield go into the tie on the back of a narrow 38-35 bonus point home win over Instonians. UCC ran out 15-10 winners over Queen’s University in Belfast. Highfield won November’s corresponding fixture 22-13 at Woodleigh Park.

Sixth-placed Garryowen are away to leaders Old Welsey. The Sky Blues recorded a maximum-point 48-29 victory over City of Armagh last time out. Old Wesley remain in pole position, despite losing their last game 27-7 against Dublin University at College Park. The Dublin side returned with maximum points when they met Garryowen in Limerick as they ran out 41-17 winners.

Shannon, who remain in third place in Division 2A, travel to County Antrim, to take on Ballymena at Eaton Park. Shannon defeated Greystones 30-10 in their last game at Thomond Park. Ballymena, who have climbed up to sixth, go into the tie on the back of a narrow 22-20 away win over Cashel. The Limerick side claimed all points on offer from November’s corresponding fixture where they defeated Ballymena 41-10 at Thomond Park.

Cashel, who have slipped to eighth, travel to County Tyrone, to take on Dungannon at Stevenson Park. Cashel are four points clear of the relegation places and they claimed a losing bonus point from their narrow 22-20 home defeat by Ballymena. Dungannon were defeated 51-31 by MU Barnhall in their top of the table clash in County Kildare, but remain in second place. Cashel and Dungannon played out a 25-25 draw in the Premier County in November.

Old Crescent remain in ninth, despite claiming all points on offer from their 26-22 bonus point home win over Banbridge. This was the Limerick side’s first win, following a run of five successive defeats. They are away to fifth-placed Galway Corinthians, who are six points adrift of the top four. The Galway side returned from their narrow 17-14 defeat by Wanderers in Dublin with a losing bonus point. Galway Corinthians ran out 20-10 winners over Old Crescent, when these sides met in Limerick.

In Division 2B, third-placed UL Bohemian entertain Clogher Valley, who are second.

UL Bohemian were defeated 19-14 away by Galwegians, but returned with a losing bonus point. Clogher Valley put up 31 points without reply in their last game against Enniscorthy, to claim maximum points at the County Tyrone venue. UL Bohemian defeated Clogher Valley 29-21, when these sides met at the Ulster venue in November.

The game of the day in Division 2C sees leaders Clonmel going head to head with fourth-placed Monkstown in South Tipperary. Clonmel claimed maximum points from their last game, which they won 29-19 against Thomond in Limerick. This game also doubled up as a Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Plate semi-final. The Dublin side have slipped to fourth place, despite winning their last game 21-17 at home against Ballyclare. Clonmel ran out 14-10 winners when they met Monkstown in Dublin. Monkstown claimed a losing bonus point.

Thomond, who have slipped to third, are away to Belfast Harlequins, who are second from bottom. Thomond go into the tie on the back of a 29-19 home defeat by leaders Clonmel. The Belfast side also lost their last game, going down 48-5 against Midleton in East Cork. This result leaves Belfast Harlequins two points adrift of safety. Thomond ran out 55-10 winners to claim maximum points when they met Belfast Harlequins in Limerick.

Sixth-placed Dolphin take on Bruff, who are fifth, at Virgin Media Park. Dolphin were defeated 29-24 by Bective Rangers in Dublin, but returned with a losing bonus point. Bruff go into the tie on the back of a narrow 32-31 bonus point home win over Malahide. Bruff won November’s corresponding fixture 21-15 in County Limerick, resulting in a losing bonus point for Dolphin.

Midleton, who are hovering above the drop zone, travel to North County Dublin, to take on Malahide, who are propping up the table. Midleton go into the tie on the back of a 48-5 home win over Belfast Harlequins, where they claimed all points on offer. This was Midleton’s first victory since November’s 43-34 home win over Malahide in a 12-try thriller, before a run of seven successive defeats. The North County Dublin side returned with a losing bonus point. Malahide were defeated 52-17 last time out by Bective Rangers in a rescheduled game which was played at Energia Park.

In the Women’s All-Ireland League, defending champions and unbeaten leaders UL Bohemian go head to head with seventh-placed Ennis at 4GUL. The Limerick side go into the tie on the back of an 89-0 bonus point victory over Cooke in Belfast. The Clare side also claimed maximum points from their 26-17 home win over Galwegians. UL Bohemian put up 77 points without reply when they met Ennis in the Banner County.

Eighth-placed Ballincollig welcome Blackrock College, who are second, to Tanner Park. Ballincollig go into the tie on the back of a heavy 82-7 defeat by Railway Union in Dublin. Blackrock College claimed all points on offer from their last game, which they won 44-7 at home against Wicklow. Blackrock College recorded a comprehensive 60-14 bonus point victory when they met Ballincollig in Dublin.

JUNIOR PREVIEW

There is an assortment of local action as proceedings get underway in the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup. There are also full programmes of games in Divisions 1 and 2 of the Men’s Munster Junior League and both divisions of the Women’s Munster League. The Limerick Charity Plate final is also down for decision.

In the opening round of games in the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup, Bruff are at home to Midleton, whose only triumphs were in 1997 and 1998. The winners will be away to Shannon in the next round.

Dungarvan entertain Douglas in West Waterford and the winners will be rewarded with a home tie against Tralee or Scariff, who meet in the Kingdom.

Killarney entertain Thomond, who last won the trophy as part of a three-in-a-row from 1989 to 1991 inclusive. The winners will meet Fethard in South Tipperary.
Waterford City host 2014 winners Clonmel and the winners will be away to UL Bohemian.

On Saturday evening, Skibbereen go head to head with Muskerry, who have already been relegated, at Ballyanly. Skibbereen will be looking to take another step closer to safety, following their maximum-point 35-10 home win over Mallow. The West Cork side also have a game in hand with Clanwilliam. This is Muskerry’s last game of the campaign. They were defeated 35-5 by champions Kilfeacle in West Tipperary last time out.

Bandon host champions Kilfeacle at Old Chapel. The West Cork side are two points adrift of a top-four finish. They are also unbeaten in 2026 and their last defeat was by Newcastle West at the end of November. Bandon defeated Richmond 27-22 in Limerick last time out. Kilfeacle recorded a 30-27 away win over Premier County neighbours Thurles.

Clanwilliam and St Mary’s go head to head in Tipperary Town. Clanwilliam are second from bottom and have a game in hand against Skibbereen. Clanwilliam will be looking to make the most of home advantage count in their battle against a quick return to Division 2. They lost their last game 31-16 at home to Kilfeacle. St Mary’s also have a game in hand with Kanturk. They claimed a losing bonus point from their narrow 12-10 home defeat by Clonakilty.

Second-placed Clonakilty welcome Sunday’s Well to the Vale. The West Cork side narrowly defeated St Mary’s 12-10 in Limerick, while Sunday’s Well go into the tie on the back of a 20-12 home defeat by Thurles.

Fourth-placed Mallow entertain Richmond, who are third, with one point separating these sides. Mallow were defeated 33-10 by Skibbereen in West Cork. Richmond claimed a losing bonus point from their last game, where they were defeated 27-22 by Bandon in Limerick.

Newcastle West entertain Kanturk at the West Limerick venue. Newcastle West go into the tie on the back of a 29-21 away victory over Old Christians. The Duhallow side, who have a game in hand with St Mary’s were defeated 23-7 at home by Mallow.

Division 2 leaders Crosshaven, who have already secured a quick return to the top flight, are away to Youghal. A win would secure the title for Crosshaven, who are unbeaten. Crosshaven claimed all points on offer from their last game where they defeated St Senan’s 36-5 in South Cork. Youghal were narrowly defeated 15-13 by Castleisland at the Kerry venue and they returned with a losing bonus point.

Kinsale, who are also promoted, travel to the Banner County to take on St Senan’s at Jimmy Slattery Park. Kinsale are two points behind leaders Crosshaven. They claimed maximum points last time out as they ran out 45-7 home winners over Charleville. St Senan’s, who have game in hand lost 34-5 away to Crosshaven.

Abbeyfeale, who have already been relegated, travel to North Cork to take on Fermoy. Fermoy go into the tie on the back of a narrow a narrow 15-12 away win over Carrick-on-Suir and they also have a game in hand. The West Limerick side fell to a heavy 90-8 defeat by Ballincollig at Tanner Park.

Fethard are still second from bottom and they are away to Ennis. The South Tipperary side are three points adrift of safety and they go into the tie on the back of a 32-24 bonus point home win over Charleville. Ennis, who have a game in hand, were defeated 31-19 by leaders Crosshaven at the South Cork venue.

Castleisland, who are hovering above the drop zone, travel to Suirside to take on Waterpark at Ballinakill. The Kerry side are three points clear of the relegation places and they go into the tie on the back of a narrow 15-13 home win over Youghal. Waterpark recoded a 43-22 victory over Abbeyfeale in their last game, which produced ten tries in West Limerick.

Cobh Pirates face a tricky task as they go head to head with Ballincollig at the Paddocks. This is the Pirates’ last League game, while Ballincollig have a game in hand. Cobh Pirates were defeated 62-14 at home by leaders Crosshaven in their last game. Ballincollig go into the tie on the back of a comprehensive 90-8 bonus point home win over Abbeyfeale.

Charleville and Carrick-on-Suir meet at Smith’s Road in a mid-table clash. Charleville were defeated 32-24 by Fethard in South Tipperary, but claimed a bonus point, as they scored four tries. Carrick-on-Suir go into the tie on the back of a narrow 15-12 home defeat by Fermoy.

The inaugural Limerick Charity Plate decider is down for decision as UL Bohemian and Young Munster go head to head in the decider.

In Division 1 of the Munter Women’ League, unbeaten leaders Shannon are away to Bruff, who are third. Shannon go into the tie on the back of a 28-7 maximum point home win over Dolphin. Bruff played out a 22-22 draw with Clonakilty and claimed a bonus point, as they scored four tries. Shannon defeated Bruff 40-7 when these sides met at Coonagh in December, to claim maximum points.

Second-placed Clonakilty host bottom side Dolphin at the Vale. The West Cork side played out a 22-22 draw with Bruff in County Limerick last time out. Clonakilty also claimed a bonus point, as they scored four tries. Dolphin were defeated 28-7 by Shannon at Coonagh. Clonakilty ran out 37-22 winners when they met Dolphin at Virgin Media Park. Dolphin claimed a bonus point, as they scored four tries.

Ballincollig who are fourth in Division 2, welcome Mallow, who have slipped to second place to Tanner Park. Ballincollig recorded their second win of the campaign last time out as they defeated

Roaring Water Bay 53-12 at Tanner Park, to claim maximum points. Mallow surrendered their unbeaten run last time out as they were defeated 29-6 by Thurles in the Premier County. Mallow put up 31 points without reply when they met Ballincollig in North Cork in December.

Third-placed UL Bohemian host Roaring Water Bay at Annacotty. The Limerick side defeated Ballincollig 61-24 at Tanner Park in their last game in November, to claim maximum points. This game produced 13 tries. The West Cork side lost their last game 53-12 away to Ballincollig.