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The Energia All-Ireland League Early Season Review

PICTURE:
OCTOBER 24 2024

The opening rounds of the Energia All-Ireland League have truly had it all.

There has been high drama, entertainment, incredible skill, and games for the purists. With four games played, we are now starting to see a clearer picture in the leagues.

Division 1A: No Unbeaten Teams

In Division 1A, it’s a Dublin-heavy top four with Clontarf, Terenure, and St. Mary's, along with Ulster's Ballynahinch currently in the playoff spots. Terenure ended Clontarf's unbeaten run with a comprehensive win at Castle Avenue in Round 4. St. Mary's, who have been very impressive since their promotion, have been involved in plenty of late drama, including a last-minute win against Garryowen at Templeville Road. Ballynahinch won on the road in Limerick in Round 4, securing their first win at Tom Clifford Park in nearly two decades.

We knew it was going to be an incredibly competitive league, and this is evident with only two points separating fourth from first, and five points separating sixth from first. Defending champions Cork Constitution have had a tough start to the season with two wins and two losses, with both Lansdowne and Young Munster in similar positions. Garryowen started incredibly well on the opening day with a win over Lansdowne in Dooradoyle, but narrow defeats in two of their last three games show how tough the step up to Division 1A can be. City of Armagh have been good in patches, digging out a gritty win in Limerick in Round 3, but a huge performance on the road by UCD saw them get their first win of the season after a winless opening block. It is all to play for in Division 1A, and expect it to get even more competitive as we approach Christmas.

Division 1B: No Shortage of Drama

Division 1B has lived up to its unpredictable nature, with some incredible results in the opening rounds. Old Belvedere sit top of the table after a huge win in Tipperary against Nenagh in Round 4, while UCC have shown real resolve and ambition with wins over Highfield and Shannon, propelling them to second place. Nenagh Ormond have continued their sensational form from last season, having only been beaten by Old Belvedere, and they’re sure to be in the mix if they continue this form. Blackrock College complete the playoff spots, having picked up two bonus-point wins in the last two rounds against both Highfield and Old Belvedere.

Naas and Old Wesley will be looking to string together some consistent form to push for the playoffs. Dublin University got their first win in the rescheduled game against Highfield in Round 3 and followed it up with a thrilling win over fellow student side Queen’s in College Park in Round 4. Both Highfield and Shannon, as well as Queen’s, have had three losses in four games, but one win can drastically alter their league positions this early in the season.

Division 2A: Catch Us if You Can

Division 2A has been played at a blistering pace, with the top four already breaking away from the rest of the league. Newly promoted Galway Corinthians, along with fellow promoted side Instonians and Cashel, all have the maximum 20 points with four bonus-point wins in the opening rounds. Barnhall, who were beaten at home by Greystones in Round 4, make up the playoff spots, and after leading for the first three rounds, are now four points off the top.

Banbridge, Greystones, and Old Crescent make up the mid-table and have shown real form at times in the opening rounds. Banbridge had a narrow loss to Old Crescent in Limerick in Round 3, while Greystones picked up a big win on the road in Round 4, showing the unpredictability of this league. Ballymena, Navan, and Buccaneers have all had difficult starts to the season, with only Navan picking up a draw in Round 2 against Old Crescent. Ballymena and Buccaneers are also still winless after four games and will hope their fortunes turn around soon.

Division 2B: Still All to Play For

Division 2B has not disappointed, with some incredibly high-scoring games across the board. Wanderers and Skerries sit in first and second place and are both unbeaten after impressive starts to the season. Ulster sides Dungannon and Clogher Valley make up the playoff spots after winning three out of four games, positioning themselves nicely for the next block of matches. UL Bohemians and Sligo have had mixed form, with Bohs winning at home to Sligo on the opening day and in Round 3 against Rainey, but suffering a heavy defeat to a ruthless Clogher Valley in Round 4. Sligo earned their first win of the season against Malone, with Malone also securing one win in their opening four rounds to steady the ship.
Rainey and Malahide, in 8th and 9th place respectively, have had tough starts to the season, but both picked up important wins in Rounds 2 and 3. Galwegians, sitting at the bottom of the table, have lost four games by a total margin of just seven points. Their luck is bound to turn, and they’ll be confident that their first win isn’t far off.

Division 2C: Small Margins, Big Difference

Division 2C has been fierce in the opening four rounds. Midleton have been incredibly impressive, sitting top of the table and remaining unbeaten, as do Belfast Harlequins, who have bounced back from last season with a clear goal of getting promoted back to Division 2B. Dolphin, also unbeaten, are just one point behind and have shown fine form, including back-to-back wins for the first time in over three seasons. Newly promoted Ballyclare, who scored 66 points against Bruff in Round 4, complete the playoff spots and have shown they’re more than capable of competing in Division 2C.
Clonmel and Monkstown sit in 5th and 6th, and on their day, can beat anyone in this league. There are four points between them and 7th-placed Omagh Academicals, who started the season well but have lost three of their opening four games. Enniscorthy, Bruff, and Tullamore are yet to win this season, but with only four points separating 10th from 7th, expect more close contests in Division 2C as the season progresses.

Energia AIL Women’s Division: Wicklow Flying High with Early Season Form

The Women’s Division has been fiercely contested, with Wicklow being the standout team early on, securing three bonus-point wins from their first three games to top the table. The heavyweight clash between Railway Union and UL Bohemians in Round 2 saw last year’s beaten finalists, Railway, come out on top, and they currently hold a two-point advantage over their bitter rivals. Galwegians have also shown fine form, with only one defeat in their opening three games. Ballincollig, Suttonians, Blackrock College, and Cooke all have one win from their opening three games. Tullow and Old Belvedere are yet to register a win this season, but their performances suggest they are capable of turning things around.

Conclusion: Saturday afternoons well and truly back

The anticipation before the leagues kicked off has been more than met. Clubhouses have been buzzing with pre-match lunches and post-game debates. At just €10, an Energia All-Ireland League match offers real value for money. If you haven’t yet made it to your local club on a Saturday afternoon, don’t miss out—you won’t be disappointed! Here’s to an exciting next block of fixtures, filled with drama, entertainment, and quality rugby. Be sure to follow the action and tune in to the Club Scene Podcast, powered by Energia, for regular updates and analysis throughout the season. Episodes are released at 6 am every Thursday on all major podcast platforms.