The title race in 2A is starting to really heat up, leaders Blackrock hope to remain on the summit as they face Nenagh, while Cashel take on Queens, as both look to claw back the leaders.
MU Barnhall V Dolphin, Sat December 3rd, Parsonstown, 2pm
MU Barnhall have slowly mounted a challenge for the top four, victory this weekend would certainly aid their charges against a Dolphin side struggling in ninth.
Barnhal, have found form of late and look a strong side able to keep that spot in fourth or move higher, they are doing what is working and another win can show their qualities as a top side in the Division, Dolphin meanwhile would need a result to get them out of eight spot, a tie that has conditions for both sides of the table.
Blackrock College V Nenagh Ormond, Sat December 3rd, Stradbrook, 2:30pm
After Nenagh produced a giant killing last weekend over Queens, they can easily cause the new league leaders hassle this time around, Blackrock will need to show their quality to overcome this challenge.
Rock are in great form and with a double header this weekend, will have plenty of home support to drive them on, Nenagh will pose a threat having shown just how impressive a team they are, it’s easy to see them as a huge danger to their seat at the top of the table.
Navan V UL Bohemian, Sat December 3rd, Balreask Old, 2:30pm
Navan have seen their dip in form result in them moving down to sixth in the table, they need a win this weekend to try and regain the lost ground, meeting bottom placed UL Bohs.
The hosts are in need of a win, two defeats in a row and despite the draw with Queens, they have failed to push on and show why they should be back in 1B, with UL facing an eight successive defeat if they falter this weekend, this is seen as the ideal time for Navan to get a win that boosts their confidence.
Old Crescent V Ballymena, Sat December 3rd, Takumi Park, 2:30pm
With little separating Ballymena in seventh and crescent in eight, a win for either can give them breathing room from sides beneath them, for Ballymena it can see them climb up the table.
Crescent saw their recent winning streak end at the hands of Cashel last weekend, they had found their feet but now need to pick themselves up and start again, while Ballymena had the opposite ending their losing streak, this game is a big boost to whichever side can take the win with how each are positioned in the table.
Queens University V Cashel, Sat December 3rd, Dub Lane, 2:30pm
With Queens a wounded animal after last weekend, Cashel could get a big win for their title challenge if they can overcome the side in third, Queens meanwhile need the win to overcome that defeat.
Queens have not had the ideal last number of results, two ins in their last five with both wins against the teams in eighth and tenth respectively, by their lofty standards they need to pick themselves up and show their early season form, while Cashel have shown they are certainly a contender in 2A, just one defeat in five coming in a one-point loss to Barnhall, the only blemish on a perfect record.
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.