Four Limerick All-Ireland League clubs face crucial play-off fixtures

FOUR Limerick clubs are involved in crucial energia All-Ireland League promotion/relegation play-off fixtures this Saturday afternoon.

The Limerick sides ended up in the relegation-promotion play-offs in the energia All-Ireland League following the completion of the regular season earlier this month.

In Division 1A, Shannon must rely on coming through the play-offs if the Parish side is to secure their top flight league status for next season.

Shannon, who finished ninth in Division 1A at the end of the regular season will host Old Belvedere who secured a fourth-placed finish in Division 1B on Thomond Park's back pitch on this Saturday, April 20, 2.30pm.

Shannon's place in the play-offs was confirmed following their 33-17 defeat away to UCD at Belfield Bowl in their final regular season game. Jade Kriel and Josh Costello scored tries for Shannon in the game, while out-half Mike Cooke converted both and also added a penalty.

The second promotion/relegation semi-final will see another Limerick side in action, Garryowen. The Light Blues, who claimed a third place finish in Division 1B will travel to energia Park on Saturday to face Old Wesley, who took the runners-up spot in 1B.

Garryowen defeated Highfield 31-10 in 1B at Dooradoyle in their most recent outing, with Bryan Fitzgerald scoring two tries for the home side, while Colm Hogan and Cian Hurley got one each. Jack Oliver kicked two conversions. Should Shannon and Garryowen win their respective semi-finals, then the Limerick rivals would battle it out for a place in Division 1A of the league for next season.

UL-Bohemian must rely on coming through the play-offs if they are to maintain their Division 2A status for next season.

UL-Bohs lost at home to champions Nenagh Ormond 25-16 in their final regular season game in Annacotty. Harry Byrne gave UL Bohs an early 6-0 lead with two penalties and later added a third penalty as well as converting a try by Liam Neilan for the hosts.

UL-Bohemian, who claimed a ninth-placed finish in Division 2A host Sligo, who ended up fourth in Division 2B, in their relegation/promotion semi-final at Annacotty on Saturday, 2.30pm.

UL-Bohs will need to win the game and also overcome the winners of the second semi-final between Corinthians and Wanderers if they are to remain in 2A for next season.

Bruff will be hoping to secure promotion to Division 2B for next season via the play-offs. A last minute try by Kieran O’Dwyer earned Bruff a 19-14 home win against Clonmel in their final regular season game at Kilballyowen Park. Tries from Brendan Gleeson and Shane Duggan, both converted by Paul Collins had Bruff 14-0 ahead at half time.

Bruff, who finished third in Division 2C, face a play-off semi-final against second-placed Galwegians at Crowley Park on Saturday.

Bruff will face either Dolphin or Enniscorthy in the play-off final if they came overcome ‘Wegians.