PICTURE: Energia AIL Season Launch 2022-2023 - Men
JANUARY 23 2024
Mid-Season Review of the 2023/24 Energia AIL so far:
As we pass the midway point of the 2023/24 Energia All Ireland League season, there have been spectacular moments and intense battles across the five men's divisions and the women's division. Let's delve into the highlights from each division, as the leagues begin to take shape.
Men's Division 1A:
Division 1A has delivered an exhilarating display of top-tier rugby, with no shortage of drama at both ends of the table. The top four playoff battle is more competitive than ever, with Clontarf, Lansdowne, Cork Constitution, and Terenure currently in the driving seat. Ballynahinch & Young Munster are within touching distance of those semi-final places, but both will know that any slip ups could be detrimental to their chances. The battle to beat the drop has intensified in recent weeks creating some incredibly tense moments. The two standout moments of 2024 so far in Division 1A have been Lansdowne ending Clontarf’s unbeaten run in Castle Avenue in a thriller, while Dublin University have given themselves a lifeline with their first win of the season against Shannon in round 11.
Men's Division 1B:
In Division 1B, the competition is extremely fierce. St. Mary’s College have a 16-point lead at the top of the table and look all but confirmed in Division 1A for next season. The remaining nine teams in the league all have the measure of each other on any given day, leading to a remarkable situation whereby only 10 points separate 8th from 4th. Garryowen & Highfield have got their seasons back on track post-Christmas, with Old Belvedere & Blackrock playing some scintillating rugby. Buccaneers & Queens have shown resurgence in their bids to survive, and with seven games to go have every chance of doing so. The standout moment of 2024 so far in division 1B has been Blackrock ending St. Mary’s unbeaten run in front of a jubilant Stradbrook crowd!
Men's Division 2A:
Division 2A has been a rollercoaster of emotions, with Nenagh Ormond & Cashel in a shootout for a place in division 1B next season. The Tipperary sides have been head and shoulders above the chasing pack, creating their own subplot with stellar performances to date. Barnhall, UL Bohemians, and Old Crescent have performed well in recent weeks to stake their claim for a playoff place which will go down to the wire. The Ulster derbies have been captivating matchups with each of Malone, Ballymena & Banbridge taking points (and bragging rights!) off each other. Greystones and Navan have faced difficult patches recently but know they have what it takes to turn their season around.
Men's Division 2B:
As we venture into Division 2B, the competitiveness remains palpable. Record breaking Instonians, who are on an unbeaten, 29-game bonus point winning run have caught the eye of the nation and look set to secure back-to-back promotions. Galway Corinthians & Wanderers will not give up the title fight, but both will be vying for a coveted home semi-final playoff place at the very least. 4th place is wide open with Sligo, Rainey, Dungannon & Malahide all showing playoff credentials, but momentum and consistency will be key here. Dolphin, Belfast Harlequins & Skerries are currently towards the bottom end, but don’t rule out a resurgence from all three teams. It’s still all to play for with seven games to go!
Men's Division 2C:
In Division 2C, the underdogs are making their mark, challenging expectations and providing unexpected twists. Galwegians currently lead the way with Clogher Valley close behind. Enniscorthy and Bruff are displaying resilience and skill to complete the top four, but the gap has closed since the turn of the year. Tullamore, Clonmel and Middleton have given themselves an outside chance of a later stage playoff charge, but will know it needs to be picture-perfect from here on in. Bangor, Omagh & Ballina are in a scrap to avoid the dreaded drop, but each side have picked up recent wins which bodes well for survival.
Women's Division:
The women's division of the Energia AIL has been ferocious. Unbeaten UL Bohemians lead the way with Railway Union in second place. Old Belvedere and Blackrock have been great to watch this season, but consistency of results has been costly. Suttonians, Ballincollig & Galwegians have shown improvements week on week, with Wicklow and Cooke displaying good form in patches. Women's rugby has taken a step forward this season and things are looking up for 2024.
Conclusion:
As we pass the midway point of the 2023/24 Energia AIL, the rugby landscape is ablaze with passion and competition. From the intensity of Division 1A to the unpredictability of Division 2C, and the flourishing women's division, every facet of the league contributes to what makes Irish club rugby great. With the second half of the season on the horizon, fans can anticipate more thrilling moments and unforgettable matches that define the essence of the Energia AIL.
Men's Division 1A:
Division 1A has delivered an exhilarating display of top-tier rugby, with no shortage of drama at both ends of the table. The top four playoff battle is more competitive than ever, with Clontarf, Lansdowne, Cork Constitution, and Terenure currently in the driving seat. Ballynahinch & Young Munster are within touching distance of those semi-final places, but both will know that any slip ups could be detrimental to their chances. The battle to beat the drop has intensified in recent weeks creating some incredibly tense moments. The two standout moments of 2024 so far in Division 1A have been Lansdowne ending Clontarf’s unbeaten run in Castle Avenue in a thriller, while Dublin University have given themselves a lifeline with their first win of the season against Shannon in round 11.
Men's Division 1B:
In Division 1B, the competition is extremely fierce. St. Mary’s College have a 16-point lead at the top of the table and look all but confirmed in Division 1A for next season. The remaining nine teams in the league all have the measure of each other on any given day, leading to a remarkable situation whereby only 10 points separate 8th from 4th. Garryowen & Highfield have got their seasons back on track post-Christmas, with Old Belvedere & Blackrock playing some scintillating rugby. Buccaneers & Queens have shown resurgence in their bids to survive, and with seven games to go have every chance of doing so. The standout moment of 2024 so far in division 1B has been Blackrock ending St. Mary’s unbeaten run in front of a jubilant Stradbrook crowd!
Men's Division 2A:
Division 2A has been a rollercoaster of emotions, with Nenagh Ormond & Cashel in a shootout for a place in division 1B next season. The Tipperary sides have been head and shoulders above the chasing pack, creating their own subplot with stellar performances to date. Barnhall, UL Bohemians, and Old Crescent have performed well in recent weeks to stake their claim for a playoff place which will go down to the wire. The Ulster derbies have been captivating matchups with each of Malone, Ballymena & Banbridge taking points (and bragging rights!) off each other. Greystones and Navan have faced difficult patches recently but know they have what it takes to turn their season around.
Men's Division 2B:
As we venture into Division 2B, the competitiveness remains palpable. Record breaking Instonians, who are on an unbeaten, 29-game bonus point winning run have caught the eye of the nation and look set to secure back-to-back promotions. Galway Corinthians & Wanderers will not give up the title fight, but both will be vying for a coveted home semi-final playoff place at the very least. 4th place is wide open with Sligo, Rainey, Dungannon & Malahide all showing playoff credentials, but momentum and consistency will be key here. Dolphin, Belfast Harlequins & Skerries are currently towards the bottom end, but don’t rule out a resurgence from all three teams. It’s still all to play for with seven games to go!
Men's Division 2C:
In Division 2C, the underdogs are making their mark, challenging expectations and providing unexpected twists. Galwegians currently lead the way with Clogher Valley close behind. Enniscorthy and Bruff are displaying resilience and skill to complete the top four, but the gap has closed since the turn of the year. Tullamore, Clonmel and Middleton have given themselves an outside chance of a later stage playoff charge, but will know it needs to be picture-perfect from here on in. Bangor, Omagh & Ballina are in a scrap to avoid the dreaded drop, but each side have picked up recent wins which bodes well for survival.
Women's Division:
The women's division of the Energia AIL has been ferocious. Unbeaten UL Bohemians lead the way with Railway Union in second place. Old Belvedere and Blackrock have been great to watch this season, but consistency of results has been costly. Suttonians, Ballincollig & Galwegians have shown improvements week on week, with Wicklow and Cooke displaying good form in patches. Women's rugby has taken a step forward this season and things are looking up for 2024.
Conclusion:
As we pass the midway point of the 2023/24 Energia AIL, the rugby landscape is ablaze with passion and competition. From the intensity of Division 1A to the unpredictability of Division 2C, and the flourishing women's division, every facet of the league contributes to what makes Irish club rugby great. With the second half of the season on the horizon, fans can anticipate more thrilling moments and unforgettable matches that define the essence of the Energia AIL.