Queens University face stiff competition if they are to keep hold of their spot in Division 1B, meeting Banbridge in an exciting Ulster Derby, the winner meeting one of Cashel or MU Barnhall in the final.
Cashel v MU Barnhall, Saturday April 18th, Spafield, 2:30pm
Another tasty prospect this weekend will be the meeting of Cashel and MU Barnhall who both fought for the title this season.
Cashel finished second two points ahead of their opponents and having missed out on the promotion fight last season will be looking to state their claim to join Nenagh Ormond in 1B next season.
The Tipp men and Barnhall have exchanged a win each this term and this third instalment is certainly going to be dramatic. Barnhall for the last two seasons have been competitive in this Division and have the hunger to move up a rank next season. This one will be a cracker for sure
Queens v Banbridge, Saturday April 18th, Dub Lane, 2:30pm
An all Ulster affair in Dub Lane and Queens will not want to give up their spot in 1B having done so well to fight for safety this season. Banbridge however are looking to move back to 1B having been relegated in the play-off stages last year.
Queens had an impressive 2A win back in the 2022-23 season and have given 1B a shot but just missed out on automatic safety in the end. A side with real quality and want to remain in 1B for another season but will know of the quality that exists coming from 2A.
Banbridge jumped down last season knowing just what can occur during these promotion relegation finals. They were in the shoes of Queens last season and this time are fighting for promotion to 1B. After such a massive dog fight to get that fourth spot secured they have showed their quality this season and this next step will be a crucial one to not see their hard work end at this second last hurdle.
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.