AIL Preview: Division 1A Round 11

Not much separates the top six teams in Division 1A of the Energia All Ireland League, with plenty of exciting ties that could change the top four race this weekend. At the foot of the table UCD look to return to winning ways, as City Of Armagh likewise aim for points to move clear of the drop zone.

Clontarf v Ballynahinch, Saturday January 18th, Castle Avenue, 2:30pm

Having dropped out of the top four, Ballynahinch will be looking to get right back in the mix this weekend, and after their 20 point loss to Clontarf in early December, they are out for revenge.

Tarf have looked incredibly strong of late, hoping to book a semi-final place by season’s end. This weekend could be a sixth win in a row for the Castle Avenue faithful, Hinch will be a stern test despite that double digit result just a few short weeks ago.

It was all going well for Hinch at the start of the season, despite their loss to Cork Con, they were even holding top spot for a time. Their last three games have returned just two points, a dramatic draw with Terenure last weekend bringing those points. This venue has been unkind in recent seasons, could it all change by Saturday evening?.

Cork Constitution v Garryowen, Saturday January 18th, Templehill, 2:30pm

Another big Munster derby for Con and Garryowen, the pair fighting at opposite ends of the table, it should still be a slogfest between these two.

Defending holders Con are back in the top four after last weekend’s exploits, now the aim is to hold down that place and a Munster derby can always go either way. The Temple Hill faithful survived a late scare in the reverse tie to win 19-17 in the end. With a five game unbeaten run secured, they aim for a sixth game unbeaten this weekend.

At the opposite end of the scale, Garryowen occupy the bottom spot in the table, five points behind UCD. Wins have been hard to come by for the visitors, a lot time ago since the opening weekend of the season when they bested Lansdowne, they have come so close even in recent weeks to getting that win. Can they dig that bit deeper and best Con in their backyard for the first time since January 2013.

Terenure College v UCD, Saturday January 18th, Lakelands Park, 2:30pm

Chris Cosgrave’s last minute penalty shaded the win for Terenure when they played UCD before the Christmas break, Nure have been in good form of late but expect another tough clash with the students.

Nure are aiming for a fifth game unbeaten and came close to picking up four wins in a row last Saturday. A dramatic draw with Hinch was a real test of their character as they go in search of another shot at silverware. Sean Skehan’s men have looked the part and want another win here to further their charges.

UCD have delivered some spirited performances in recent weeks but have yet to take a win since early November. The students are currently ninth in the table and could move outside of the drop zone if they manage a win and Armagh suffer a defeat.

Young Munster v St Mary’s College, Saturday January 18th, Tom Clifford Park, 2:30pm

With how competitive it is at the top end of the table, only five points is the gap from leaders St Mary’s to sixth placed Young Munster. 

The Cookies are still well in the race and could be a top four team by Saturday evening. With back to back wins under their belt they have gotten their mojo back, after a string of defeats including away to St Mary’s towards the latter stages of 2024. Ger Slattery’s men can make Tom Clifford Park a battleground, could we see that be the case again?.

Mary’s suffered just a third loss of the season last weekend to Lansdowne, and now the tough trip to Limerick is one they hope can bring them back up to speed. A six game winning streak ended last weekend, and the hopes will be to return with a win this weekend to keep top spot secured.

Lansdowne v City Of Armagh, Sunday January 19th, Aviva Stadium Back Pitch, 2:30pm

Matchday turns to Sunday this weekend for Lansdowne and City Of Armagh, after an exciting clash at The Palace Grounds in early December this should be another entertaining battle between the two.

Andy Mark’s try secured the win for Lansdowne that day, shading a 19-15 win for the Dubliners. And while they did lose a week later, they have consecutive wins under their belt including their Bateman Cup win since. A blistering display last weekend away to Mary’s, while Charlie Tector in great form was a strong way to begin 2025.

Chris Parker’s charges are flirting with relegation as things stand and need a win to keep the likes of UCD off their tails. Following back to back defeats they are out of form going into this contest, but will still be up for the fight and almost grabbed the win on their home patch last time out.

Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.

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