Heading into the 18th and conclusive round of the half-year Energia All-Ireland regular season tournament, most of the teams in Division 1A still have a tangible goal to aim for. Terenure, Cork Constitution, and Clontarf, with 65 points, 65 points and 63 points respectively, have emerged as the top teams, yet there’s little difference among them. They’ll compete fiercely for the semis’ home advantage until the season’s final day.
Following Terenure’s crucial win last week, its 11th for the season, the team bypassed Clontarf. They have the opportunity to host the semi-finals for the third consecutive time in two weeks if they log a 12th consecutive victory against Ballynahinch. This is not an improbable feat, considering they outplayed them 16-13 at the start of the league in early October.
In the absence of the injured Luke Clohessy, Terenure is welcoming lock Mikey Reilly and winger Craig Adams back onto the field, and Harrison Brewer is switching to backrow.
Meanwhile, Cork Con will face off against City of Armagh, who are above Shannon in the struggle to steer clear of relegation playoffs. Also, Clontarf, who aim to outdo Con’s performance and perhaps bridge a 13-point difference in their points’ differential, will square up against the already relegated team, Trinity.
St Mary’s, Nenagh Ormond, Instonians and Clogher Valley had clinched the first positions in the other four divisions. However, the playoffs scenario is yet to decide.
In 1B division, Old Wesley has the most probable chance to host a home semi-final. They will face Queens who needs to grasp victory to prevent a relegation playoff and hope Naas falls short to Old Belvedere at their home turf. Additionally, third-ranked Garryowen in their quest for a ninth successive win will vie with Highfield. Both teams need just a point to solidify their playoff standing.
In the 2A division, Cashel (2nd) has secured a semi-final spot and hopes to lock in a home game when they host Banbridge (4th). Barnhall (3rd), on the other hand, has already made it through to the playoffs and will entertain Old Crescent (5th) in their base.
In the coming weeks, Greystones must secure a win against Malone, who have already been relegated, at Dr Hickey Park in order to stave off entering the relegation playoff. Their victory alone, however, wouldn’t be enough. They will also need either UL Bohemian to lose to champions Nenagh Ormond at home, or Ballymena to suffer a defeat away to Navan – with the latter failing to secure a bonus point.
A direct clash for the chance to host a semi-final at home is impending between Wanderers and Corinthians at Merrion Road in 2B in a couple of weeks. Belfast Harlequins (9th) would need a defeat to Malahide (8th) for them to escape the relegation playoffs. Under this scenario, Dolphin (10th) would need to overcome Dungannon (5th) to dodge automatic relegation.
In 2C, an intense three-way competition to evade relegation into provincial leagues will come to a head when Ballina (10th) faces Midleton. Additionally, Ballina, who are a point ahead, will take on Clogher Valley, and Enniscorthy (3rd) will go against Omagh Academicals, who are superior to Ballina in terms of point differences.
Moreover, the following matches are lined up in the Energia All-Ireland League (kick-off at 2.30 except for those specified otherwise):
Men’s Division 1A sees Ballynahinch challenging Terenure College at Ballymacarn Park, a City of Armagh vs Cork Constitution match at Palace Grounds, a meeting of Clontarf and Dublin University at Castle Avenue, UCD against Shannon at Belfield and finally, Young Munster taking on Shannon at Tom Clifford Park.
In Division 1B, Blackrock College will go up against UCC at Stradbrook, Buccaneers will face St Mary’s College at Dubarry Park, Garryowen will be against Highfield at Dooradoyle, Naas will take on Old Belvedere at Forenaughts and Old Wesley will play against Queens at Energia Park.
Division 2A sees Cashel competing against Banbridge at Spafield, Greystones facing Malone at Dr Hickey Park, a face-off between MU Barnhall and Old Crescent at Parsonstown, Navan versus Ballymena at Balreask Old and finally, UL Bohemian taking on Nenagh Ormond.
In Division 2B, Dolphin will compete against Dungannon at Virgin Media Park, Instonians will face Skerries at Shaw’s Bridge, Malahide are against Belfast Harlequins at Estuary Road, Sligo will duel with Rainey at Hamilton Park, and Wanderers will play against Galway Corinthians, at Merrion Road.
In the Division 2C match line-up, we see Bangor taking on Midleton at Upritchard Park, while Bruff meets Clonmel at Killballyowen Park. Clogher Valley will be in action against Ballina at The Cran and Galwegians go head-to-head with Tullamore in Crowley Park. Meanwhile, at Thomas Mellon Playing Fields, it’s Omagh Academicals versus Enniscorthy.