Must win games for Limerick sides in All Ireland League

It’s a vital weekend for the three Limerick teams in Division 1A of the All Ireland League. All three are in desperate need of victories as we come into the latter stages of the season.

Young Munster welcome Dublin University to Tom Clifford Park, while Shannon and Garryowen are away to Clontarf and UCD respectively.

Munsters are in most need of a win despite a return to form in recent weeks. The win over Garryowen in their last home game was a timely boost for Gearoid Prendergast’s men, and the performance in defeat to Lansdowne last weekend was a big positive.

The Cookies face a Dublin University outfit that has won their last three games and win for Trinity would see them consolidate fourth place in the table.

Garryowen will be hoping that their rivals can do them a favour against Dublin University as they attempt to get back into the playoff reckoning.

Conan Doyle’s men have dropped to fifth in recent weeks, and visit the team immediately below them in the table, UCD on Saturday. The Light Blues were beaten 15-7 by Cork Con last time out, and will be hopeful of getting back on track at Belfield.

Shannon are also in need of a victory when they make the trip to third placed Clontarf. The Parish lost 15-3 to UCC last weekend and are without a win from their last four games.

Tom Hayes will no doubt be concerned with recent form, and things will not get any easier against a Clontarf team that has won 10 of their 14 AIL games this season.

Elsewhere, UL Bohs will be looking to get back to winning ways Blackrock are the visitors to the University of Limerick in Division 2A. Bohs are currently in fifth place after a defeat to Navan in their last game.

They are without a win from their last two games, but will fancy their chances against a Blackrock side that are second bottom.

Old Crescent’s unbeaten run in 2019 came to an end with a 19-7 defeat to Highfield and are away again at the weekend. The defeat saw Crescent drop to sixth and Navan are their opponents on Saturday.

Crescent’s recent form saw them clear of relegation worries and will be satisfied with consolidation in 2A this season.

Bruff were the only Limerick team to win in the AIL last weekend, and that victory over Seapoint put them level with second placed Midleton.

However, they face a tough trip to leaders Ballina on Saturday. Thomond are now bottom of the table following a 41-10 loss to Ballina. They play Malahide in Liam Fitzgerald Park this weekend.