Seven Limerick rugby clubs learn their fate as Energia All-Ireland League fixtures confirmed

LIMERICK'S seven senior rugby clubs have learned their fate for the 2025/26 season with confirmation of the Energia All-Ireland League fixtures.

The new season kicks-off on Saturday, September 27 with a Limerick club competing in each of the five divisions.

Newly promoted Thomond have been handed a home game in Liam Fitzgerald Park to mark their return to the senior ranks. They will entertain Dublin side Bective Rangers in their round one fixture.

The city side will have a local derby in Division 2C with County Limerick side Bruff also in the division - they meet in back-to-back fixtures either side of the Christmas break.

The sides will meet on Saturday, December 13 in Bruff's Kilballyowen Park and then in Liam Fitzgerald Park on Saturday, January 10.

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In September, Thomond will be making their return to the AIL after a six year absence. Back-to-back Division 1 Munster Junior League champions Thomond booked their return to the All-Ireland League following a 23-15 victory over Omagh Academicals in their promotion/relegation play-off final in Tyrone in April.

Young Munster carry the Limerick flag in Division 1A for the new season.

They are away to Ballynahinch on the opening day with their first home fixture on Saturday, October 4 when St Marys College journey from Dublin to Tom Clifford Park.

Garryowen will look to make an immediate return to the top flight when they begin their Division 1B campaign with a home tie against UCC on Saturday, September 27 in Dooradoyle.

With Shannon dropping down, there are also two local sides in Division 2A - Old Crescent and the Parish side.

Both have home games in round one on September 27 - Shannon entertain Cashel in Thomond Park and Old Crescent play Ballymena in Takumi Park.

Their local derbies will also take place either side of the Christmas break. Shannon are at home on December 13 with Old Crescent enjoying home comforts on January 10.

UL Bohemian are the sole Limerick side in Division 2B.

The Red Robins are on their travels on the opening day against Navan. 

Their first home game, October 4, is against Skerries on the UL 4G surface.

The Men’s Division 1A and Women’s Division finals will again take place as a double-header at the Aviva Stadium, with Sunday, April 26 the scheduled date.

In the Women’s Division there is also a Saturday, September 27 start - back-to-back champions UL Bohemian travel to Blackrock College in round one.

Newly-promoted Ennis don't face the Limerick side until next spring with a Saturday, February 28 tie in UL 4G at 5pm.

UL Bohs travel to Ennis on Saturday, October 25.

Both the men’s and women’s divisions of the Energia All-Ireland League will feature two ‘No Rugby Weekends’ during the coming season.

These weekends are separate to reserve weekends in the calendar to allow players, coaches, and volunteers to manage their time away from rugby.

Speaking about the release of the Energia All-Ireland League fixtures, IRFU competitions manager Kevin Beggs said: “Work on completing these fixtures commenced as soon as the curtain came down on a spectacular 2024/25 season.

“We try hard to satisfy club requests and almost all were accommodated. Last season was hugely exciting with every division competitive right to the end, and we are really looking forward to another great year in the Energia All-Ireland League.”