HAVING taken a break for a week, the Ulster Bank All Ireland league returns this weekend. Once more we have previews of all the game involving Limerick sides. By Stephen Kinsella
Division 1A
Clontarf v Shannon,
Saturday 2.30pm, Castle Avenue
SHANNON’S form has seen a major rise in the past few weeks under the guidance of Messrs Hickey and Touhy. Their superb win two weeks ago against UL Bohemians has made survival a distinct possibility now. However a trip away to Tarf is never easy and this may be one test too steep for the Coonagh men.
Prediction: Clontarf
Landsdowne v Garryowen,
Saturday 2.30pm, Aviva Stadium
THE TOP two faced each other only a mere three weeks ago and Garryowen were very much second best. Now a trip away is always going to be a tougher ask and with Garryowen starting to lose their promising early season form, the league leaders will be favourites to open up their gap at the top of the standings
Prediction: Landsdowne
UL Bohemians v Old Belvedere,
Saturday 2.30pm, Annacotty
WITH BOHS beginning to struggle and finding themselves very much in a relegation scrap, this game is crucial to them. Despite a promising start to the season things have started to get very inconsistent for Colm Tucker’s men. A win is essential if they wish not to drop into bottom place.
Prediction: Bohs to shade it
Young Munster v Dolphin,
Saturday 2.30pm, Tom Clifford Park
MUNSTER’S will be on a high after a tough win in Dublin a fortnight ago and know that victory should see them rise to second place above their Limerick rivals, Garryowen. Their counterparts have been a mixed bag this season and the Cookies should have enough to see them off.
Prediction: Young Munster comfortably
Division 1B
Bruff v Malone,
Saturday 2.30pm, Kilballyowen Park
BRUFF are truly involved in a relegation dogfight. After a poor first half to the season they will need to beat their opponents who are comfortably lodged in mid-table. However this may be too tough for the county men.
Prediction: Malone
Division 2A
Old Crescent v Bective Rangers,
Saturday 2.30 pm, Rosbrien
WITH ONLY one point separating these sides in the table, this game will be crucial for league standings. Crescent were disappointed to have been narrowly defeated by Galwegians last weekend and will hope home advantage might just be the edge in what should be a very tight encounter.
Prediction: Crescent by one
Division 2B
Connemara v Thomond
Saturday 2.30pm, Monastery Field
THOMOND may be struggling this season, but the men from the Gaeltacht have been abysmal. With rumours that Connemara might leave the AIL next season, motivation might be tough for the western ‘All Blacks’. Thomond will look to extend their misery in what should be a comfortable win for the Fitzgerald Park residents.
Prediction: Thomond
