One of the most popular club competitions of the season kicks off this weekend with the first round of the Ulster Bank All-Ireland Junior Cup.
Cup holders Enniscorthy are at home to a Portadown side that are struggling for form in Ulster with a win over Clogher Valley but lossues to Bangor and Inst.
That said they lost to the Wexford side in last season's semi-final by a point. Plenty of edge to this game then. Clogher Valley, beaten by a similar margin in the final last February, are at home to Clondalkin.
This competition has seen some thrilling action on the pitch and paved the way for several clubs to make the jump to the Ulster Bank League including three time winners Tullamore, Armagh, City of Derry and even the very first winners Rainey Old Boys back in 2006.
Other fixtures:
Connemara v St Mary's
Dundalk v Cobh Pirates
Monivea v Coolmine
Newcastle West v OLBC
Ulster Bank All-Ireland Junior Cup Winners:
2013/14 - Enniscorthy
2012/13 - Tullamore
2011/12 - Tullamore
2010/11 - Crosshaven
2009/10 - City of Derry
2008/09 - Tullamore
2007/08 - Navan
2006/07 - Seapoint
2005/6 - Rainey Old Boys
Clogher Valley v Clondalkin
Clogher Valley lost 10-9 to Enniscorthy in last year’s final and will want to go one better after being defeated in 2012/13 semi finals. This weekend they welcome Leinster team Clondalkin to the 'Cran' with the good news that they will be able to field their strongest starting XV this season. The back row unit of David Sharkey and brothers BJ and Ryan Wilson return for their first game together with influential outhalf Philip Hulme teaming up with scrum half and Captain Aaron Best. There is one piece of silverware missing from their trophy cabinet in Fivemiletown and the squad want to put aside their disappointments of recent seasons to finally get their hands on this Cup.
Enniscorthy v Portadown
Portadown are the perennial under achievers in Cup competitions and have shown they have the personnel to go all the way and win the trophy after losing a tightly contested semi final to eventual winners Enniscorthy last season. Experienced players such as Barry Gribben, Gareth McCoy, James Carleton and Diarmuid O'Kane will need their side to keep their discipline if they are to win this difficult opening match.
CIYMS v Ballinasloe
CIYMS learned a lot from their heavy defeat away to winners Enniscorthy last season. I would expect the Belmont side to be focused for this tricky tie with Connacht side Ballinasloe. CIYMS will welcome back their rested players, Stuart Ferguson, Mark Scott, Scott Dowle, Harry Howard, Paddy Aiken, and Captain Gavin Woods who only played forty minutes against Ballynahinch 2nds last Saturday. Anything less than a win will be a disappointment for the East Belfast team.
Clonmel v Bangor
Bangor include the returning player coach Jason Morgan and Davy Charles for their diffcult trip away to Munster Junior Cup holders and last seasons league runners up Clonmel. Recent results have lifted the spirits of the North Down side after a difficult start to the season.
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 2
Academy v Omagh
The action continues with Omagh facing a difficult away trip to play Academy at Roughfort. Academy have a strong forward unit that will match any side in the league. A must win game for Academy if they are to harbour any promotion ambitions. Omagh coach Phil Marshall has a large squad at his disposal for selection. Key forwards Mark Smyth, Mervyn Edgar and Andrew Ferguson will need to be at their best to contain the strong Academy forwards.
Lisburn v Coleraine
Coleraine will travel to face a plucky Lisburn side at Blaris, who are well organised by coach Mark Crothers. After their excellent 20-19 win at Enniskillen the Coleraine faithful will expect no less than five points from Captain Stephen Dickey and his players.
Randalstown v Carrickfergus
Randalstown face County Antrim neighbours Carrickfergus at Nelisbrook. Interesting game this with Gary Longwell's team not having played since their 23-8 win over Enniskillen on the 20th September. Carrick have ambitions this season and know they can't afford to lose this match after suffering a 35-5 Junior Cup defeat at Omagh last Saturday.
Holywood v Grosvenor
In the final fixture in this league Holywood entertain neighbours Grosvenor at Kerr Park who impressed in a 14-0 defeat of Carrickfergus three weeks ago. Holywood drew 29-29 at UUC in their last outing. A must win game for Holywood coach Laurence Kelly and his players. Every point will prove crucial in the final placings.
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 3
Limavady v Strabane
Lurgan v Newry
Ophir v PSNI
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 4
Londonderry YMCA v BHSFP