We are in the final weekend of action in the Energia All-Ireland League Men’s Division 2A, where three teams are already guaranteed to contest the Semi Finals. Four teams will have a chance to claim the final spot, as just three points separates them.
Dolphin V UL Bohemian, Saturday 9th April, Musgrave Park, 1:30pm
A win for UL this weekend could see them into the top four, if results elsewhere work in their favour, while Dolphin are safe but would like to end their season on a high.
Dolphin fell to an 18-10 defeat to Rainey Old Boys last weekend, a team already reduced to the relegation play offs to keep their status in check. It was a tight opening half but Dolphin struggled in the second.
After their 26-21 win over MU Barnhall last weekend, Bohs have it all to play for this weekend as they can make the top four with a win or bonus point win, and hoping results elsewhere go their way.
Ballymena V Queens University, Saturday 9th April, 2:30pm
It is all in the hosts hands this weekend to guarantee them a spot in the top four, they are a point ahead of fifth and sixth, while they are three ahead of seventh, Queens however are guaranteed first and will play Ballymena in the semi finals or whoever may take their spot.
Ballymena struggled in a 19-3 loss to third place Buccaneers last weekend, an early penalty their only score of the contest, as they struggled to test the defensive resolve of their opponents in the end.
Queens continued their phenomenal performance this season, with another hard-fought win over Old Crescent last weekend, their 14th bonus point win of the season if they win this weekend, they will have 16 wins from 18 played, a phenomenal achievement.
Cashel V Buccaneers, Saturday 9th April, 2:30pm
Two teams guaranteed their place in the final four meet this weekend, a big confidence boost for one of these teams ahead of the semi finals later this month, Cashel will finish in second while Buccs are guaranteed third.
Cashel had a great second half surge scoring two tries, in a 20-10 victory over Tipperary rivals Nenagh Ormond last weekend, their season performance has been phenomenal after a tough opening start to the season.
Buccaneers cruised to victory in the end last weekend over Ballymena, after an early exchange of penalties they lead 6-3, they crossed for a converted try to push their lead out to 13-3 at half time, before they continued to control the contest into the second half, two penalties sealing the win.
MU Barnhall V Nenagh Ormond, Saturday 9th April, 2:30pm
MU Barnhall are another team who could go into the top four with a win this weekend, a win and defeat for Ballymena seeing them in, but a bonus point win would also suffice should Ballymena fail to get one also.
Barnhall’s Yo-Yo season continued last weekend with defeat to UL, their ninth defeat so far this season, not an ideal result going into the final weekend of action, but they will know this game can define their entire season.
Nenagh are confirmed for the relegation play-offs following defeat to Cashel last weekend, they will meet Rainey in the tie and a result this weekend over Barnhall would serve as a boost, ahead of the two legged fixture.
Old Crescent V Rainey Old Boys, Saturday 9th April, 2:30pm
Old Crescent will be the final team in with a chance of making the top four this weekend, as they are level with Barnhall on 40 points. Rainey meanwhile will look for a boost ahead of the relegation playoffs, if they can claim a win this weekend.
Crescent were strong in the opening half, taking a 7-0 lead early on but trailed 14-10 at half time. They failed to contend with the dominance of Queens in the second half, going down by 20 points in the end.
Rainey picked up a big win over Dolphin last weekend, the result much more of a consolation for them as they are looking ahead to the relegation play off battle, if they can get back to back wins this weekend, it would be a huge momentum boost.
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.