Promotion to 2A is on the cards for Sligo, Galway Corinthians and Wanderers as we head for the promotion/relegation semi-finals this weekend. UL Bohemian will hope to avoid the drop in successive seasons.
UL Bohemian v Sligo, Saturday April 18th, Annacotty, 2:30pm
Well we are back to Annacotty less than 12 months on from Sligo suffering a two point defeat in their last play-off semi-final which came at the hands of their opponents on Saturday afternoon.
The Red Robins had started the year in emphatic circumstances and at the Christmas break looked like they would be fighting for promotion to 1B. But that was not the case. Since the new year UL have just a single win to their record and must go through the relegation play-off once again to stay up.
Sligo again have had an impressive run in 2B finishing fourth yet again and they must overcome last season’s heart breaking finish if they are to get promoted to 2A. The Connacht side picked up eleven wins in the normal season and with an impressive haul of bonus points will want to showcase that scoring talent to make the promotion final.
Galway Corinthians v Wanderers, Saturday April 18th, Corinthian Park, 2:30pm
A mouthwatering tie in Corinthian Park as the heavyweight clash of Galway Corinthians and Wanderers will determine who advances to the final hoping to move up to 2A.
The Galway side were in the same boat last year and ended up suffering defeat in the semi-final stage. Wanderers are in the play-off places this year having missed out last season and certainly have been impressive this season.
For large parts of the season these two were battling to catch Instonians but on Saturday it is all about getting over the other to get that coveted place in the play-off final. Corinthians won both of their meetings with The Chaps this season including a final day dress rehearsal which saw The Tribesmen getting home advantage as a result.
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.