PREVIEW | All Ireland Junior Cup, Munster Senior Challenge Cup & Women’s AIL

The All Ireland Junior Cup gets underway this weekend as well as the first semi-final of the Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Challenge Cup. Women’s AIL action continues this weekend with Shannon-LIT facing Tipperary.

The first semi-final of the Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Challenge Cup sees Cashel travel to Dooradoyle to take on Garryowen on Friday evening. Garryowen lead the roll of honour with 38 titles and recorded two comprehensive away wins over UCC and Bruff in earlier rounds.

Cashel will be looking to reach the final for the first time, having earned narrow victories over Shannon and Premier County neighbours Nenagh Ormond. The Sky Blues’ last triumph was three years ago in 2018, when they defeated UL Bohemian at the Markets Field, while the Tipperary side reached the semi-finals in 2005, losing to Dolphin, whilst still a Junior Club.

Action also continues across the Women’s All Ireland League and provincial women’s competitions.

Division 1 of the Munster Women’s League gets underway Friday evening with Tipperary who welcome Shannon-LIT, who are seeking their first points, to Thurles. Tipperary claimed a losing bonus point from their 14-10 defeat by Kerry last time out but will be eager to get their season back on track.

On Saturday, the Women’s All Ireland League sees unbeaten leaders UL Bohemian travel to the capital to take on Railway Union at Willow Lodge in Sandymount. The Limerick side go into the tie on the back of three maximum-point wins, while Railway Union go into the tie on the back of two bonus point wins.

Ballincollig are also in Dublin as they take on Old Belvedere at Ollie Campbell Park. The Cork side ran out 31-17 home winners over Galwegians last time out, while the Dublin side surrendered their unbeaten start to the campaign against UL Bohemian.

Proceedings also get underway in the All Ireland Junior Cup with holders Kilfeacle beginning their defence of the trophy against Creggs in County Galway. Newcastle West are also in action in County Galway as they are away to Tuam, while Mallow have a home tie against Westport and Thomond entertain Connemara at Liam Fitzgerald Park.