THE top divisions in the All Ireland league are off this weekend, so local Limerick sides Bruff, Old Crescent, Richmond and Thomond take centre stage.
Sat-11-Jan
Division 2A
Bruff v Galwegians, Killballyowen, 2.30pm
Winless Bruff will be hoping to start 2014 as they mean to go on. New head coach Eoin Cahill will be hoping that a win over first placed Galwegians will give his county side the kick start they need to avoid the drop.
Verdict: Galwegians
Sat-11-Jan
Division 2A
Old Crescent v Highfield, Rosbrien, 2.30pm
Two wins from seven games is not ideal for Old Crescent, but O’Dwyer’s men know that this weekend against one win from seven Highfield is a chance to move back up the ladder.
Verdict: Old Crescent
Sat-11-Jan
Division 2B
Richmond v Ards, Canal Bank, 2.30pm
Fifteenth placed Richmond have it all to against 10th placed Ards this weekend. The Canal Bank side has won just two games this season, but 2014 might just be a fresh start for all.
Verdict: Richmond
Sat-11-Jan
Division 2B
Skerries v Thomond, Holmpatrick, 2.30pm
Third travels to fifth this weekend as Thomond take on Skerries. The Limerick side, currently third in 2B, is just six points from the top. A win on Saturday could very well propel the Fitzgerald Park side in the hunt for promotion as outright winners.
Verdict: Thomond
In other Ulster Bank League news, the coaching and management team for the Ulster Bank-sponsored Ireland Club team has been confirmed for the games against Scotland Clubs and England Counties in February.
Former Ireland international and current Garryowen coach Tom Tierney has been named as Ireland Club XV head coach for the two-match series that kicks off against Scotland on Friday, February 7.
The game will again be played at Cork Constitution’s Temple Hill ground. The Ireland Club XV will then travel to Mowden Park on Friday, Februrary 21 to play the England Counties side.
The Irish squad will be announced in the coming weeks as the management team run the rule over players in the Ulster Bank League.
Ulster Bank Club International Management team: Tom Tierney – head coach, Mick O’Driscoll – assistant coach, Seamus McDemott – team manager, Nicola Lyons – squad co-ordinator, Alan Hickey – baggage master, John Philpott – team doctor, Ailbe McCormack – physio, Eugene McEntagert – strength and conditioning coach.
