It’s semi finals weekend for a spot in 2A, Galway Corinthians will look to get promoted after missing out on the title, but Dungannon and Sligo are also in the mix, UL Bohemian will not go down without a fight.
UL Bohemian v Sligo, Sat April 22nd, Annacotty, 2:30pm
Sligo will look to keep up a run of good form as they head to Limerick, but UL Bohs will prove a test as they look to stay up.
The Robins have felt the sting this year, finishing eight ahead of Dolphin, they were reduced to the play-offs as they were 11 adrift of their nearest challenger Old Crescent, with home advantage they now aim to use that and pick up some late form to try and keep them in 2A next season, they finished the season with a three game losing streak, not ideal coming into these play-offs, but they have performed well in ties where they were given no chance, now it’s make or break.
Sligo went from finishing above the drop zone, to mid table to finishing top four, their final day performance was nothing short of perfection, a bonus point win and six tries scored, it showed just why they took fourth spot in the end, a win this weekend would see them make it five wins on the trot, but they have shown at times this season a lack of a killer touch, six bonus points in 18 games, just five being for tries scored, the fewest of the sides in the hint for a spot in 2B, this weekend will need a similar performance to last weekend.
Galway Corinthians v Dungannon, Sat April 22nd, Corinthian Park, 2:30pm
Galway Corinthians battled hard to test Greystones for the title, with the semi finals on their doorstep, they will hope all their hard work is not in vain, as Dungannon aim to fight on.
The hosts were battling with their Wicklow adversaries for the title all season, Greystones unbeaten streak would be the biggest difference, but after that the hosts just could not catch them, 2A is still the destination, but will they have a year long wait to catch that connecting flight or will they board first class all the way this weekend to the final, they are a top quality side and will feel the rank of favourites is theirs ahead of this weekend, with a 13 point gap between the two in the table.
Dungannon travelled to Galway last weekend and were beaten by the side aiming to survive this weekend Galwegians, maybe a final day blip, as Dungannon were always assured a spot in third, they will need to forget that game, as the Ulstermen are certainly no slouches, back in February they derailed an early new years push for the tile from the hosts, after falling to defeat at home in November, it will be a heavyweight tie as Dungannon will be confident they can take a result.
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.