All-Ireland League previews

DIVISION ONE A ( 2.30, unless stated ) Cork Constitution v Dolphin Temple Hill It may be a local derby but anything other than…

DIVISION ONE A( 2.30, unless stated) Cork Constitution v Dolphin Temple HillIt may be a local derby but anything other than a victory for the home side and defending All Ireland champions would constitute a surprise on the evidence of this season's form. Con were surprised by Bruff in the Munster Senior Cup but are unlikely to slip here. Verdict: Con.

Young Munster v Blackrock

Tom Clifford Park

Munster’s excellent start to the season has slipped a little following defeat to Con and a 31-0 thumping at home by Old Belvedere. Andy Wood’s Blackrock have been competitive in all their matches but this is a real test of self-belief as much as ability.

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Verdict: Young Munster.

Old Belvedere v Shannon

Angelsea Road (4.30)

The Dublin club’s only defeat this season came against the league leaders Con, and outside of that Phil Werahiko’s team has been very impressive. Shannon produced a better display before being pipped last time out and personnel wise should be stronger today.

Verdict: Old Belvedere.

St Mary’s College v Garryowen

Templeville Road (6.0)

The home side has progressed appreciably from a team that lost their opening two matches. In the third round they mauled Shannon and then eked out a narrow win in Cork. Garryowen have been competitive but just finished on the wrong side of tight matches.

Verdict: St Mary's College

DIVISION ONE B (2.30)

Dungannon v Lansdowne

Stevenson Park

The home side enjoyed a superb victory over Clontarf last time and while Lansdowne have been brilliant at home but remarkably brittle away from their Dublin base. On that basis it is difficult to argue against a Dungannon side inspired by excellent young players like outhalf Paddy Backson.

Verdict: Dungannon

Galwegians v Bruff

Crowley Park

Bruff have turned their season round in the last three matches, conjuring two league wins and a victory over Cork Con in the Munster Senior Cup. The home side have their contracted players and that could sway the issue.

Verdict: Galwegians.

UL Bohemian v Buccaneers

Annacotty

The form guide suggests this game should go the way of the table-toppers and visitors Buccaneers who have won three of their four matches under South African coach Hendrie Marnitz. However, the students beat Lansdowne in their last outing and will be a tougher prospect at home.

Verdict: UL Bohemian.

Sunday

DIVISION ONE B (2.30)

Clontarf v UCC

Castle Avenue

The Dublin club lost their unbeaten record in their most recent outing against Dungannon but should get back to winning ways against a UCC side that conceded 61 points to Lansdowne on their last visit to Dublin.

Verdict: Clontarf.

John O'Sullivan

John O'Sullivan

John O'Sullivan is an Irish Times sports writer