Weekend Preview

The semi-finals of the Men’s All-Ireland League across all five divisions, are down for decision this weekend.

In the Division 1B semi-finals, Garryowen travel to the Capital to take on UCD at Belfield. Dublin University or Instonians await the winners in the decider.

Shannon lock horns with Dungannon on the Back Pitch at Thomond Park in their Division 2A semi-final. Shannon were defeated 22-14 when these sides met at the County Tyrone venue in October. Shannon avenged this result when they recorded a 23-19 victory over Dungannon at Thomond Park in March. The Ulster side returned with a losing bonus point. The winners will meet UCC or Galway Corinthians, who meet on Leeside, in the final.

UL Bohemian welcome Clogher Valley to Limerick for their Division 2B semi-final. UL Bohemian recorded bonus point victories in both of their group games against the Ulster side.
The Limerick side ran out 29-21 winners when they met Clogher Valley in County Tyrone in November. When these sides met in Limerick, UL Bohemian recorded a 35-28 win. Clogher Valley returned with two bonus points, as they scored four tries. Old Crescent or Sligo, who meet at Takumi Park in the other semi-final, await the winners.

Thomond travel to the Capital to take on Bective Rangers at Energia Park in their Division 2C semi-final. On the opening day of the campaign, which marked the return of both sides to the AIL, Thomond recorded a 29-22 bonus point win over Bective Rangers at Liam Fitzgerald Park. The Dublin side returned with a losing bonus point. On the final day of the group stage of the League, Bective Rangers avenged their opening day defeat as they ran out 30-12 winners over Thomond in Dublin, to claim maximum points.

The winners will meet Clonmel or Dolphin, who go head to head in South Tipperary, in the decider. Dolphin recorded maximum point victories in both of their group games with Clonmel, as they ran out 32-19 winners at Virgin Media Park in October. When these sides met at the South Tipperary venue in March, Dolphin defeated Clonmel 33-21.

There is also a handful of Junior games down for decision on Sunday.

In the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup, last year’s beaten finalists Old Crescent welcome 2002 winners Kilfeacle to Takumi Park for the remaining quarter final. The winners will be rewarded with home advantage against Nenagh Ormond, who last won the trophy in 2004, in the second semi-final.

Highfield, who last won the trophy in 2019, lock horns with holders Cork Constitution, in the first semi-final at Woodleigh Park.

A new name will be inscribed on the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Plate as Clonmel and Ennis contest the decider at Clanwilliam Park.

The Munster Junior 2 League decider takes place on Friday evening as Kilfeacle lock horns with UCC in West Tipperary.

On Wednesday evening, Shannon and Bruff go head to head in the Munster Women’s Open Cup semi-final at Coonagh. Tralee await the winners in the decider at Virgin Media Park on Sunday.
In the semi-finals of the Munster Women’s Open Bowl, Clonakilty go head to head with UL Bohemian at the Vale and Roaring Water Bay welcome Thurles to Bantry.