A look ahead to this weekend's matches

DIVISION ONE A (2.30)

Clontarf v UL Bohemian, Castle Avenue: The home side have to discover the facility to translate a dominant edge on the pitch to the scoreboard, something they failed to do against Shannon. Paul O'Donohue will be a loss but they should have a little bit too much grunt up front for the students.

Verdict: Clontarf.

Cork Constitution v Blackrock, Temple Hill: Having see the cup match earlier in the season between these teams – Blackrock won – anything other than a Constitution victory would be a surprise. Blackrock are struggling in a losing spiral and despite the return of some tyros behind the scrum, they don't have sufficient bite in the pack to provide a platform.

Verdict: Cork Constitution.

Shannon v Dolphin, Coonagh: Given their off-field problems Shannon will be delighted to concentrate on the rugby again. They managed a good win away with Clontarf and should be too strong for their Cork visitors. It'd be nice to see Marcus Horan back in action.

Verdict: Shannon

St Mary's v Garryowen, Templeville Road: The clubs will contest the Shay Deering Trophy this afternoon and the odds are that it will reside in Dublin following this match. St Mary's have lost a couple of matches recently and they badly need to be more ruthless in possession. It's a concentration and precision thing. Garryowen are a much better side than the current table suggests.

Verdict: St Mary's.