Once again the clubs are, as Gerry Murphy once put it when encapsulating the frustrations of coaches up and down the country, sucking the hind tit of the season. And so, like a square peg in a round hole, the AIB League resumes this weekend after a six-week hiatus.

This, in effect, is a delayed phase two of the campaign, with clubs resigned to only catching glimpsing of their internationals every second weekend on television.

Shannon, especially, probably saw the light on a midweek refixed game at the end of last season when they entertained a full-strength Constitution side still hell bent on retaining their AIL crown.

Shannon had no alternative but to blood a host of youngsters with their contracted players watching from the sidelines, and were suitably impressed by a gutsy, if failed, comeback from 28-0 down at the break to a creditable 28-17 defeat.

Tomorrow's rematch will be televised live, and features two of the top flight's three 100 per cent records. Shannon have long since been making contingency plans for the absence of their leading lights, and so now just shrug their shoulders at losing their international quintet.

Pride is the spur and Shannon will also be mindful of avoiding a three in a row from Con. Though Con are also understrength, it's still a strong selection, with a big proven pack and the attacking edge of the flying Anthony Horgan, which also looks to have more experience.

Second-placed Galwegians come under the microscope away to the holders St Mary's. With Eric Elwood and the more established Connacht pros providing a nice blend alongside the up and coming Gavin Duffy and Johnny O'Connor, they could have a potential kicking edge. They've also been scoring tries (14 so far) a lot more freely than St Mary's (three).

Home wins almost outnumber away wins by two to one, and though it's fledgling days eight top flight teams still have unbeaten home records. This tallies with some abysmal travail on travels for some, notably Dungannon who are entertained (for want of a better description) by Young Munster.

Dungannon are trying to overcome one of their bogey grounds and end a run of seven consecutive away defeats dating back to, er, the last century (December '99 to be precise).

In Division Two meanwhile, Richie Daly is set to join the exclusive band of players to make 100 AIL appearances if he plays for Sunday's Well in their game at home to UCD.