Nenagh and Cashel will once again front the billing from 2A this weekend, plenty of other ties in the Division could make the standings look rather different come Saturday evening.
Ballymena v Malone, Saturday January 13th, Eaton Park, 2:30pm
Ballymena jumped out of the relegation zones when the sides met before Christmas and will be hopeful of picking up another win this weekend.
It was a cagey battle between the two in their last encounter with Ballymena winning 19-16, no signs this game will be any different. Physicial from the word go, these two will not show any signs of a let off and will be out for a strong start to 2024. Mena are just a point clear from the relegation zones and with tough games to come in the next few weeks, they need to start off on the winning side.
Malone remain bottom and it may well be another relegation on the cards unless they can get the bit between their teeth and take a result in this encounter. Results have not gone their way this year, seven defeats in their nine games prior to this encounter, they need something to turn their fortune around and they need it fast.
Banbridge v Greystones, Saturday January 13th, Rifle Park, 2:30pm
Banbridge are breathing down the necks of UL Bohemian in fourth spot and a win over Greystones would keep that pressure firmly applied.
Banbridge triumphed 30-20 when the pair met prior to Christmas and it was the perfect rebounding after suffering defeat to Malone a week earlier in round eight. Banbridge have notched four wins this season from their nine encounters and will look to build good form in the second part of the year to potentially make their stay back in 2A short.
Greystones have certainly found the step up in the Divisions quite tricky this season and they have also now found themselves in a relegation fight as a result of two defeats in a row. Having had quite the successful season last year, it just has not gone their way this year, still they bring a huge threat and have depths of quality that very well could see them take the points in this tie.
Navan v MU Barnhall, Saturday January 13th, Balreask Old, 2:30pm
MU Barnhall have their sights set on having another crack at the play-offs this year, looking sharp a win against their Meath neighbours would keep them on course.
Navan with their position of eight in the table certainly do not want to suffer another setback to Barnhall and as a result run the risk of dropping into the relegation places. Navan have lost their last two games by a margin of seven, while also suffering a defeat in their last three games.
Barnhall are four clear from Banbridge in fifth and have swapped places with UL Bohs in the standings on multiple occasions, the Kildare side have had a varied run of form in their last five games but did take the win in their last fixture in 2A which came over Navan on home soil. Heading to Meath this weekend they will have confidence to get it a rattle and take the points.
Nenagh Ormond v Cashel, Saturday January 13th, New Ormond Park, 2:30pm
Nenagh opened up an eight point gap to Cashel with victory in their Tipp derby before Christmas, could they further that lead in the home leg of this derby meeting.
Ormond have been nothing short of spectacular this season, nine straight wins have seen them be the pace setters in 2A this season as they seek to claim the 2A crown come early April. A team with an abundance of talent, they bring a threat that no team has been able to stop this season.
Cashel came close losing by four in the end, their winning streak ended by their county neighbours and they must now dust off the cobwebs and lock horns once again this weekend away from home. With eight points to make up, 12 could be the case or even 13 should Cashel fall to defeat again this weekend, this game will be important for both teams’ season going forward.
Old Crescent v UL Bohemian, Saturday January 13th, Takumi Park, 2:30pm
A Limerick derby on Shannonside where UL Bohemian will look to avenge their defeat before Christmas as they make a short trip to Takumi Park.
Having lost two games in a row prior to their round nine meeting, it was important for Crescent to take the win in that contest. Putting them sixth in the table, four points clear of the drop zone. Another win would be even more vital for the course of their safety, however it would also close the gap to Bohs to just two points or one if they can take a bonus point win here.
The Red Robins will want to take the bragging rights in this tie. It will also serve as an important moment for them going forward as they certainly need a result here to remain in the top four. The side who survived the relegation play-offs last year have had a fruitful campaign under BJ Botha and with a host of varied results in their last five games, a win here would go a long way to their second half of the season.
More Info on Division 2A here.
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.