1A returns this weekend with a host of blockbuster fixtures across the Division, the Bateman Cup rematch between Terenure and Young Munster one of a host of entertaining fixtures.
Clontarf v Ballynahinch, Saturday February 10th, Castle Avenue, 2:30pm
Following consecutive defeats, Clontarf are at risk of coughing up top spot in 1A, returning to home soil hoping to take the win against a strong Hinch side.
Tarf were unbeatable a few short weeks ago but now need to return to winning ways to regain their pre Christmas momentum. Last year’s runners up have been as strong as ever this season and will not want to give up top seed anytime soon.
Hinch returned to winning ways last weekend and sit four adrift of Terneure in fifth spot. Score difference is not in their favour but a bonus point win would give them a serious chance of making the top four if Terenure were to slip up.
Dublin University v Cork Constitution, Saturday February 10th, College Park, 2:30pm
Cork Con are waiting patiently to snatch top spot from Tarf if they slip up again this weekend, they travel to meet bottom placed Trinity.
Despite taking their first win of the season a few short weeks ago, Trinity have failed to kick on since and remain marooned to the bottom of the table. Eight points behind Shannon, every game now is a must win, they suffered defeat last weekend and cannot let the trend continue if they are to stay up.
Cork Con have been another quality side in the top part of the table this year, nine wins and three defeats from 12 games, putting them one point behind Tarf at the summit. Three wins in a row, four in their last five, defeat to Young Munster their only blemish in recent weeks. Very much favoured to win here.
Shannon v Lansdowne, Saturday February 10th, Thomond Park, 2:30pm
Second from bottom Shannon need a win on home soil this weekend to potentially move them out of the relegation zone.
The Limerick men are ninth in the table and just a point separates them from City of Armagh, with the Ulster men and UCD in action, a win here for Shannon could be enough if that result favours them to escape the drop. Having lost the reverse of this fixture 42-12 in November it will not be easy.
Lansdowne are a team who are in the hunt for the title this year, having won their last three games they sit third in the standings and do not want to drop their momentum anytime soon. This will be a battle to determine a winner, Lansdowne have a strong squad in all areas and will use that heading to Limerick this weekend.
Terenure College v Young Munster, Saturday February 10th, Lakelands, 2:30pm
A rematch of the Bateman Cup Final, once again we will be treated to a cracker between Terenure and Young Munster.
Terenure won that day at the start of this year to land silverware and defending their Divisional title is also a priority. Nure have won six on the spin in 1A since their last defeat, that came at the hands of The Cookies in Limerick when these two last met in the Division.
Munsters will want to replicate that and on the field where they were left dejected following that Bateman Final, certainly will have some extra motivation coming into the tie. One win and two defeats since the league resumed in the new year, they will want to take a win in this one.
UCD v City Of Armagh, Saturday February 10th, Belfield, 2:30pm
A battle at the foot of the table, seventh hosting eight in Belfield as both look to put gaps between them and relegation.
UCD are hoping to end their three game losing streak and further their hopes of safety in the process. The Belfield faithful suffered a heavy defeat to Hinch last weekend, following deets to Cork and Lansdowne since the new year. Wilhelm de Klerk will be a loss in their attack, they do however have a strong squad to get the job done.
City of Armagh got past Young Munster last time out and will hope that result inspires them to take further points in the coming weeks to solidify their place in the top table for another year.
Diarmuid Kearney
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.