The final furlong: Spring is in the air as the 2023/24 Energia AIL reaches the business end.
As we close in on the final rounds 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 battle for both survival and silverware reaches fever pitch.
Men's Division 1A:
Division 1A has continued to deliver exhilarating top-tier rugby, with drama at both ends of the table. The top four playoff battle is more or less settled with home advantage in the semi-finals the next port of call. Clontarf and Cork Constitution currently have just that, with Lansdowne and Terenure hot on their heels. Ballynahinch & Young Munster were in the playoff hunt until late February, but results on the road mean they must wait until next season to mount a playoff challenge. The battle to beat the drop will go to the wire and has produced some incredibly tense moments in recent weeks, with City of Armagh, Shannon, and Dublin University all giving themselves lifelines with vital wins.
Men's Division 1B:
In Division 1B, St. Mary’s College have won the league, making a return to the top flight of Irish club rugby for the first time since 2016. The celebrations are continuing in Templeville Road on a weekly basis; however, that has not stopped their winning run on the pitch! As always in this division, the remaining nine teams in the league all have the measure of each other on any given day, whereby only 6 points separate 2nd from 6th. Old Wesley and Old Belvedere are the form teams in the playoff places, with Garryowen and Highfield grinding out results to stay in the hunt. UCC & Queens have shown resurgence in their bids to survive, with Naas & Blackrock mid-table with three rounds to go.
Men's Division 2A:
Division 2A has continued to be a rollercoaster of emotions at both ends of the table. Nenagh Ormond are all but confirmed as champions, and the Tipperary side will play in Division 1B next season. Barnhall have had a stellar second half to the season and are currently ahead of Cashel in the race for second place and a home semi-final. Old Crescent and Banbridge have performed well in recent weeks to stake their claim for a playoff place which will go down to the wire. The bottom half has seen some captivating matchups with each of Navan, Ballymena, and Greystones taking points off each other. Malone and UL Bohs have faced difficult patches recently and know they need to get wins on the board to arrest the slide.
Men's Division 2B:
As we venture into Division 2B, record-breaking Instonians, who went 32 games unbeaten, are on the brink of back-to-back promotions. Their unbeaten run came to an end with a loss to Sligo in Hamilton Park, who themselves have confirmed a playoff place with the win. Wanderers look set to face Galway Corinthians in a mouth-watering playoff semi-final in the capital, with both sides in cracking form. Rainey have shown good form of late to at least secure their place in the division, but the battle to beat the drop is palpable. Dungannon, Malahide & Skerries are currently above the drop zone and will know they need to show consistency to ensure that remains the case. Dolphin & Belfast Harlequins have shown real fight of late, with vital wins in recent rounds to stay in touch with those above them. The drama will continue until the very last day, and one can be assured there will be more twists and turns in the last three rounds.
Men's Division 2C:
In Division 2C, the top four teams have all taken points off each other in recent weeks. Clogher Valley currently lead the way with Galwegians close behind. Enniscorthy and Bruff have consistently performed to complete the top four. The gap has closed to six points, and Tullamore have won six of the last seven games, giving themselves an outside chance should there be a slip-up above. Middleton and Clonmel have performed gallantly in the last few rounds and have secured senior rugby for another season. Omagh, Bangor, & Ballina are in a three-way shootout to avoid the relegation places and know that there is little to no room for error from here on in.
Women's Division:
The women's division of the Energia AIL has picked up where it left off with some fantastic rugby being played. Unbeaten UL Bohemians still lead the way with Railway Union in second place. Old Belvedere and Blackrock have played their part this season, but the losses before Christmas have left them with too much ground to make up in the race for silverware. Ballincollig, Galwegians & Cooke have shown improvements in the second half of the season and can be reasonably happy as they build towards next season. Women's rugby has taken a step forward this season, and with the women’s final set for the Aviva Stadium for the first time in April, it’s heading in the right direction.
Conclusion:
As we reach the final stages of the 2023/24 Energia AIL, the finishing touches are being applied with still so much to play for. From the intensity of Division 1A to the unpredictability of Division 2C, and the groundbreaking women's division. Every facet of each league contributes to what makes Irish club rugby great.
