IT’S the opening weekend of the Ulster Bank League this weekend and Ross O’Donoghue is here to preview the games involving the Limerick clubs.
Division 1A
Shannon v Dolphin
Shannon host Dolphin on Saturday in the hope that history repeats itself. Last season was a frustrating one in Coonagh, but a final round win in the same fixture guaranteed top flight status and showed what the Limerick men were capable of. Stephen Keogh’s return will add some much needed beef to the back row and eight years of professional experience to the management ticket.
Verdict: Shannon to sneak it.
Garryowen v St. Mary’s
Garryowen’s gripes last season centred on the availability of their Munster contracted players. Conor Murray’s rise to fame since then showed his value to light blues in a difficult season. They survived their relegation play off against Buccaneers in April and can begin this season with renewed optimism. St. Mary’s have won this fixture is the last 2 seasons.
Verdict: Garryowen to deny St. Mary’s a hat trick.
Young Munsters v Old Belvedere
Young Munster were Limerick’s only performers in the UBL last season. While Shannon & Garryowen propped up the table, the Cookies out propped everyone with the league’s most potent scrum. The loss of Alan Kingsley to Australian rugby is huge, although Andrew Burke is a willing replacement at outhalf. Champions Old Belvedere won’t fear Young Munster, such was their dominance of Division 1A last season.
Verdict: Old Belvo to nudge this one in a tight encounter.
Division 1B
Belfast Harlequins v UL Bohemians
The mission for management in Annacotty is clear – promotion at all costs. UL Bohemians underperformed at key times last season and it cost them a return to club rugby’s top flight Ex-Shannon man Colm Tucker Jr is the new head coach while ex-Munster centre Barry Murphy joins the ticket as Director of Rugby. Belfast Harlequins finished 4th in Division 2 last season and could be there for the taking.
Verdict: A happy bus ride home for UL Bohs.
Buccaneers v Bruff
Peter Malone gets the top job to himself at Bruff this season, following Eoin Cahill’s departure to Shannon. The cup rugby specialists are gunning to retain their Munster Senior Cup trophy, while the Bateman Cup still proudly resides in Kilballyowen. Should they make the league a priority, they’ll have plenty to offer Division 1B. Buccaneers were also provincial champions last season, but promotion is the prize they seek most.
Verdict: Bruff to get Bucc’ed.
Division 2A
Old Wesley v Old Crescent
A near miracle in a relegation play-off in April means one word sums up last season in Rosbrien – Relief. But new faces at Old Crescent. Nine signings have been brought in to bolster the squad although the loss of Fergal Lawlor and Keith Lyons to Garryowen will be keenly felt. Old Wesley are unlikely to let the newbies settle into their new club.
Verdict: The dubs to do it.
D.L.S.P v Thomond
Thomond will face into another year of third tier club rugby knowing their report card reads ‘Must improve’. The results in their pre-league cup games have been mixed but there are signs of improvement. Poaching Wayne Murphy from Richmond was a wise move as it provides Thomond with a reliable goal kicker and a boot to provide territory for the forwards. Away to D.L.S.P. is a tough opener.
Verdict: Thomond to miss out this time.
