BASKETBALL:Seemingly the Superleague hasn't enough problems in enticing and then keeping the fickle sporting public's attention. One of the most significant games in the Southern Conference this season, UCC Demons against the Tralee Tigers, has been scheduled for a direct clash with a certain rugby match in Croke Park this Sunday.
Even the GAA knew not to mess with arguably the biggest sporting occasion ever on this island by switching several National League fixtures to Saturday.
Not even the presence of Kerry footballer Kieran Donaghy for the Tigers will grab attention away from the historic opening of the Jones' Road stadium to foreign sports.
Donaghy is available for the Tigers as he picked up a two-week football suspension after being sent off against Mayo last weekend. The equally, if not more, influential Micheal Quirke is also expected to feature as Kerry face Cork tomorrow.
The repeat of the recent National Cup final this time takes place at the Demons' Mardyke Arena with a 3.15pm start. The rugby gets under way at 3pm.
Pat Price's Demons are three points adrift of Tralee and will be looking for a vastly-improved performance from LeShon Sheffield after the American flopped in the cup final.
It's not a season-defining game as both clubs seem certain to progress to the league play-offs next month regardless.
Besides Shamrock Rovers Hoops against Killester, all the other fixtures take place tomorrow.
Belfast Star can reaffirm their rich form since the arrival of Ramell Ross against UCD Marian, the only team out of contention for the play-offs.
Defending champions St Vincent's look nicely poised to also progress but the availability of Ballina's Ronan McGarrity may yet sway their meeting in Dublin.
Dual player McGarrity is set to make a 160-mile trip through the night to be available for football duties in Donegal on Sunday.
FIXTURES:Saturday: Men's Superleague: Belfast Star v UCD Marian, Jordanstown, 7.15; St Vincent's v Ballina, St Vincent's CBS, 7.30; St Paul's v Limerick Lions, Presentation, 7.30. Woman's Superleague: Glanmire v DCU Mercy, Little Island, 7.0; Wildcats v Killester, Mercy Gym, Waterford, 7.30; Tolka Rovers v UL Aughinish, Tolka Rovers Sports Complex, 7.0. Sunday:Men's Superleague: Shamrock Rovers Hoops v Killester, National Basketball Arena, 3.0; UCC Demons v Tralee Tigers, Mardyke Arena, 3.15.
