Women take centre stage in Energia AIL League
- Updated: 17/01/2026
By Diarmuid Kearney
THE Energia All-Ireland League action will see the Women take centre stage this weekend. Round 11 is expected to bring plenty of drama as the table continues to take shape, while on Sunday the Women’s Junior Cup Final will see MU BBarnhall aim for a four in a row against first time finalists Enniskillen. Just one Men’s game goes ahead as Ballymena and Dungannon square off in an Ulster derby, that fell foul of the weather last weekend.
In Division 2A, an Ulster derby at Eaton Park sees Ballymena welcome Dungannon, with both sides arriving at a crucial juncture for their Round 10 rescheduled clash. Ballymena come into the contest on the back of a confidence-boosting 24-10 victory over Banbridge, a result that underlined their growing belief on home soil. Successive wins at Eaton Park have steadied their season, and they will look to make home advantage count once again. Dungannon, however, arrive in strong form and with unfinished business. Winners of the reverse fixture by 30-10 before the break, the Tyrone side are chasing a fourth straight league victory and have not played an AIL match at this venue since a 9-9 draw back in January 2013.
The Women’s Division resumes with momentum firmly on the minds of those chasing silverware. Railway Union welcome Ennis to Park Avenue aiming to stretch an impressive winning run to eight matches. Railway were emphatic winners when the sides met in December, but Ennis have consistently shown resilience in their debut campaign and will relish another opportunity to test themselves against one of the division’s form teams. While results have not gone their way since early November, the Clare side have proven capable of unsettling even the strongest opposition.
Elsewhere, Old Belvedere travel north to face Cooke at Shaw’s Bridge, with the Dubliners firmly in the hunt near the summit. Belvo remain hot on the heels of Blackrock College and UL Bohemian, knowing any slip-up above them could open the door. Cooke, meanwhile, are desperate for points as they seek to pull clear of the relegation zone after a difficult run of results.
Blackrock College host Galwegians in Stradbrook in a clash that could have a major bearing on the top-four race. Rock have been relentless, winning nine straight matches with bonus points, and look intent on carrying last season’s semi-final disappointment into renewed title hunger. Galwegians, after a blistering start, have endured a tougher spell but remain within touching distance of the play-off places and will be eager to reignite their campaign.
At Rathoe Road, holders UL Bohemian face a stern examination of focus as they take on bottom side Tullow. Bohs continue to set the pace with a ruthless blend of attack and defence, while Tullow, despite spirited performances, are still searching for a result as they aim to halt a long losing run.
Wicklow complete the Women’s Division programme at home to Ballincollig, with the hosts hoping to build on a strong start to the new year and keep their top-four ambitions alive. Ballincollig, competitive but inconsistent, will be eager to reverse a heavy home defeat suffered earlier in the season.
The weekend concludes on Sunday with the Women’s Junior Cup Final in Dundalk, where MU Barnhall chase a remarkable fourth consecutive title against first-time finalists Enniskillen. The sides last met in a tense promotion play-off last March, and with history, pride and silverware on the line, another tight contest is expected.
Fixtures:
Energia All-Ireland League Division 2A
Ballymena v Dungannon, Eaton Park, 2:30pm
Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Division
Railway Union v Ennis, 12:30pm, Park Avenue
Cooke v Old Belvedere, Shaw’s Bridge, 2:30pm
Blackrock College v Galwegians, Stradbrook, 3pm
Tullow v UL Bohemian, Rathoe Road, 5pm
Wicklow v Ballincollig, Ashtown Lane, 5pm
Energia All-Ireland Women’s Junior Cup Final
MU Barnhall v Enniskillen, Dundalk RFC, 2pm
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