The All Ireland League resumes this Saturday a week earlier than planned with a full programme of postponed fixtures from December taking place. Two big games are down for decision in Galway with Galwegians and Corinthians determined to start the new year on the right foot.
For Galwegians, the focus is on avoiding the bottom of Division 1B and a relegation play off. They currently sit in last place four points adrift of UCC having won just one from five so far this season. The Cork side visit Crowley Park on Saturday in what is a crucial fixture for both clubs.
The Sky Blues kicked off their campaign with a superb away win against UL Bohemians at Thomond Park but life hasn’t been easy since and the focus for the remaining eight games is very much on survival. With only the bottom side facing the threat of relegation there is no reason to think they cannot avoid as much but they must start with a win this weekend.
Corinthians are looking upwards from Division 2. The re-structuring of the top flight will see four teams promoted and a fifth in a play-off this season and the Galway side are currently just three points off fourth place in a very congested top half of the table.
On Saturday third ranked UCD visit, the students are among three sides that seem certain for promotion and have yet to lose a game this season. They will be favourites again at the weekend but the game offers a real opportunity for Corinthians to begin a real push for promotion.
Buccaneers are Connacht’s leading club side at the moment lying second in Division 1B and very much in the hunt for promotion to the top Division. TheY face the leagues form side in the shape of Dungannon away at the weekend.
In Division 3, Connemara are still searching for their first win, there is no relegation from the league this year but the proud club will not want to find themselves down at the bottom come April. They travel to Naas on Saturday looking for a major upset.
