Continuing their incredible run of form Instonians are back in 2A for the first time since 2012, they meet Buccaneers for the first time in their history. Galway Corinthians are the other newly promoted team who set sights on another positive season.
Ballymena v Galway Corinthians, Saturday September 21st, Eaton Park, 2:30pm
After flirting with the drop zone last season, Ballymena look to put their best foot forward for the new Division 2A season, first up a tough test with newly promoted Galway Corinthians. Corinthians back in 2A for the first time since 2018.
John Nicholl is back as Head Coach and has brought in plenty of young additions from the local schools and youth section. A new perspective for the club this year may be the edge to get them finishing higher up the table.
Corinthians added JJ Hanrahan to their coaching ticket as backs coach for the new season, Michael Harding’s charges will be looking to build from his experience into the season. Finn McNulty is one of the most exciting talents in the club and was a key scorer for the side last season.
Banbridge v MU Barnahll, Saturday September 21st, Rifle Park, 2:30pm
Two competitive meetings last season, it is hard to look past another exciting clash between Banbridge and MU Barnhall to begin the season. Both finished last term in the promotion places, with Barnhall defeated in the play-off final.
Rob Logan is once again back as Head Coach of Banbridge and will aim to get the ground running in positive fashion. After dropping down to 2A for last season, they are well tested for the year ahead and can take confidence from their showing last season.
Barnhall left Rifle Park six point winners when the pair met in October last. A game in which 86 points were scored in total, Banbridge would win the return by a single point 28-27 in Parsonstown. The Kildare side have reached the promotion final the last two seasons, automatic promotion is the aim this year.
Buccaneers v Instonains, Saturday September 21st, Dubarry Park, 2:30pm
One up and one down the case for the meeting in Dubarry Park. Instonians continuing their incredible run set sights on 2A, first up are recently relegated Buccaneers. Buccs recorded just three wins last season as they look to bounce back to 1B.
A 30th Birthday for Buccaneers this season, they face the might of Instonians for the very first time in their history. Head Coach Paul Byrne again steers the ship this year, as the squad has gelled well in the off season, the aim is to be a lot more competitive this season.
From the Junior ranks right to Senior, Instonians rise is well documented, their unbeaten run ended last season, however they kept their promotion run in check and eye up a move to 1B this season. A testing trip away however as Buccaneers are not to be taken lightly.
Buccs Captain Frank Hopkins spoke to us ahead of the new season
Greystones v Navan, Saturday September 21st, Dr Hickey Park, 2:30pm
Having almost suffered the drop last season, Greystones hope to build from their experience and record an opening day berth at home to Navan. A big season ahead for Navan celebrating their centenary year, promotion is on their mind after missing the playoffs last season.
Greystones survived last season beating Malone on the final day. While they started strong winning their opening two games, they found form very much mixed last season, winning a further five games all season. Head Coach Danny Kenny has strengthened his side with former Greystones youth and Leinster U19’s Prop, Gerhard Zdunek joining from Dublin University and Ben Stephens moving from Old Wesley. New Zealand pair Reeve Satherley and Shane Fikken have arrived to boost their pack.
Navan at one point last year, looked likely to be fighting at the bottom end of the table, but in the second half of the season found their form. They ended up fifth three points outside of the playoff places. A one point defeat in Dr Hickey Park earlier this year certainly hurt their chances, on their return can they start the year with a win?.
Old Crescent v Cashel, Saturday September 21st, Takumi Park, 2:30pm
No better way to start the season than a provincial derby, as Cashel make the short trip to Limerick to face old foes Old Crescent. The Limerick men fell short of a promotion spot, while Cashel were defeated in the semi-final stage by Barnahll.
Crescent have lost their last three home games against Cashel, with the Tipperary side having a 100% record in all ties for the last three seasons in the AIL. A fourth year and maybe a fourth time lucky?, Shane Mullally’s charges will look to build on a positive run from last season.
Cashel suffered a two point defeat to end their season on a sour point last term. Defeated by Barnhall in the playoff semi-final was a big blow, the Tipp side pose another big threat this season and will remain a contender for promotion.
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.