The new All-Ireland League season kicks off on Saturday, October 2 with difficult challenges for Connacht’s four representives.
The last season under the current structure, league positions will be vital in determining next season's status for Galwegians, Corinthians, Buccaneers and Connemara.
Galwegians and Buccaneers continue to compete in division 1B, and after a finishing midtable last season - in fourth and fifth place respectively - both sides will be looking to consolidate. There is a big prize at stake - two clubs will be promoted from Division 1B, while the team finishing last in Division 1A will play off against the third-placed team from Division 1B to complete the ten-team top division for the 2011/12 season.
On Saturday Galwegians have a tough opener as they travel to Limerick to face UL Bohemians, the team relegated from the top flight last year. Buccaneers enjoy home advantage, and they will be determined to account for last year’s division two winners Lansdowne.
Corinthians, who had a super season on their return to division two last year, finished in seventh place from 16 and they will certainly be looking to move up the table this year. They enjoy a home opener at Cloonacauneen, but will not want to take their opponents for granted. They face Ballynahinch - relegated from division 1B last year.
In division three Connemara continue to represent the province. Strong at home, they face new league side City of Derry who were junior winners in the round-robin last year. Connemara finished in 14th place last year, but this season there is no relegation with the four provincial junior winners automatically qualifying. As a result this year’s Connacht Junior League will be highly competitive.
