WITH just seven games remaining, things are beginning to get really serious for Limerick’s seven All Ireland league sides.
With interest in the league at an all time high, (according to articles written during Munster’s recent run of form) Limerick sides at home this weekend (Garryowen and Shannon) are due to see a jump in attendances (I sadly jest).
Division 1A sees the away coach returning to their old stomping grounds. Paul Cunningham will bring his seventh placed Old Belvedere side to Garryowen knowing that a win is needed to get back on track for the top four.
Paul Neville’s side are third in the league and looking good for a semi final in 2016.
David Corkery of Young Munster will take his charges to Cork Con this weekend. Again, like Belvo, Munsters know that a win will see them leapfrog Garryowen and strengthen their hand for top four.
In Division 1B Shannon could be in the top four come Saturday night should they win against bottom side Belfast Harlequins. Meanwhile Shannon’s neighbours, UL Bohs have the unenviable task of travelling to table topping St Mary’s on Saturday. Bohs will be looking for a win in Dublin and one for Shannon to make sure that the gap between the Robins and the automatic relegation place is widened.
In Division 2A, Thomond, who lost out at home last weekend to UCC (re-arranged game) see themselves also placed in ninth in their Division. This Friday night, the men from Fitzgerald Park take on seventh placed Nenagh Ormond at 7.30pm.
In Division 2C, Old Crescent, still in first place, travel to take on Wanderers in Dublin on Saturday. This was a cracking game in Rosbrien when the sides met in the first round of games, so if you are in Dublin this Saturday, try and get along.
In the same Division, Bruff, need a win against Midleton, away this weekend, to create some space between the two sides in the race for fourth spot.
On a final note, it was announced this week that Ulster Bank League awards will return for 2016. The awards, in their third year, honour amateur players who ply their trade in the five Divisions.
Divison 1A
Sat-30-Jan Garryowen v Old Belvo @ 2.30pm
Sat-30-Jan Cork Con v Y Munster @ 2.30pm
Divison 1B
Sat-30-Jan St Mary’s v UL Bohs @ 2.30pm
Sat-30-Jan Shannon v Belfast HQ @ 2.30pm
Divison 2A
Fri-29-Jan Nenagh v Thomond @ 7.30pm
Divison 2C
Sat-30-Jan W’derers v OCrescent @ 2.30pm
Sat-30-Jan Midleton v Bruff @ 2.30pm
