Crunch weekend for clubs in the AIL

There won’t be a bigger weekend of All Ireland League action for Connacht clubs than the one on the horizon this weekend as Galwegians, Corinthians and Buccaneers face very important fixtures on what could be a momentous weekend for Irish rugby too.

While Galwegians are in action away to NUIM Barnhall on Saturday afternoon looking to secure the Division 2a title, the clash of Buccaneers and Corinthians takes place on Friday night (7.30pm) in Athlone’s Dubarry Park with a lot at stake in Division 1b of the Ulster Bank League.

A depleted Corinthians were beaten at the weekend away to Shannon 10-5 in what was only their second loss of the season. The injury woes continued in the build up with James Buckley and Darrin Classens missing out in the backline. The unavailability of Finlay Bealham and Aaron Conneely due to Connacht Eagles commitments didn’t help either.

However, overall, in an 18 game season, that is all part of the process. Buccaneers are well used to that over the years and adapting during such periods is vital. Corinthians still have to travel to unbeaten leaders Terenure College so their eight point advantage over their Connacht rivals isn’t rock solid.

The two sides sit second and third in the table and they (along with UL Bohemian who are also eight points back) are both chasing second spot in the table and a promotion play-off with the ninth placed side in Division 1a (currently Garryowen).

In Division 2a Galwegians are in Kildare on Saturday to take on NUM Barnhall looking for the win that will guarantee promotion and the league title with two rounds to spare. The challenge isn’t a straight forward one as the home side are second in the table and making strong push for promotion too.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.