Crucial weekend ahead for Limerick sides in Ulster Bank League action

 The All Ireland League returns today with a full complement of fixtures down for decision from a Limerick perspective, with all games kicking off at 2.30pm on Saturday.

In the top tier both Garryowen and Young Munster will feel as though they can still make a playoff run.

Garryowen currently sit in 5th place, 4 points off Clontarf who lie in 4th spot.

The Light Blues will be on a high following their Munster Senior Cup final win over UL Bohemians last week.

Today they welcome 8th place Dublin University to Dooradoyle, and should have a strong squad to select from with the academy not in action.

While Young Munster are a further 4 points back from Garryowen in 6th, they face a tough trip to 4th spot Clontarf today.

Gearoid Prendergast will hope to have the majority of his Munster A contingent available for the game, while Munster centre Dan Goggin may feature as he continues his return to action from injury. If he does he’ll certainly bolster the cookies’ midfield.

It was the Castle Avenue side who claimed a tight win the last time the two sides met back in November.

In 1B top of the table Shannon travel to Eaton Park today to take on Balymena, Tom Hayes side will be conscious of the chasing pack as they move into the last 7 games 4 points ahead of second spot Ballynahinch and 7 ahead of Banbridge in third.

Tom Hayes side had a comprehensive, 25-3 win over Naas last time out as they continue their march towards the 1B title and promotion to division 1A.

While UL Bohemians have a massively important game today, they’re at home to bottom side Dolphin, the cork side sit just 2 points behind Christy Neilan’s side in the table.

In 2B division leaders Old Crescent come into today’s game with Belfast Harlequins looking to make it 12 wins from 12 in the league.

Harlequins make the trip to Rosbrien, hoping to secure their first win of the season.

With just three points separating Crescent from 2nd place Rainey, Brendan Guilfoyle will feel his side need to complete a perfect season in order to be crowned 2B champions.

Sligo’s loss to Tullamore last weekend in division 2C makes for a very interesting title race with both Limerick side’s still in the hunt, with Thomond just 2 points back in second and Bruff 4 points behind in 4th.

The soda cakes are are on the road today to 6th place Omagh, while Bruff welcome third place Malahide to Kilballyowen Park.