Curtain comes down on Energia All-Ireland League

By Diarmuid Kearney
THE curtain comes down on the 2025/26 Energia All-Ireland League season this weekend, and if the campaign so far is anything to go by, there is still plenty of drama left to unfold. Saturday will see promotion, survival, and silverware are all on the line, with every fixture carrying huge significance as clubs look to finish their seasons on a high.
It all comes down to one decisive clash in Belfield, as UCD and Trinity meet with top-flight status at stake in their 1A play-off final. This is far more than a traditional colours match, it is a straight shootout for a place in 1A for next season.
UCD, who edged past Garryowen 35-24 in a tense encounter last weekend, return to home turf knowing another win will secure their survival. Trinity, however, arrive full of belief after a 32-21 victory over Instonians. Having narrowly missed out on the 1B title, they are determined to seize this second chance and return to the top tier. Recent history adds another layer, with Trinity winning their last meeting in 2024, though that victory ultimately proved in vain to remain a 1A outfit.
A Munster derby in The Mardyke sees UCC and Shannon battle it out for a place in Division 1B next season. UCC come into the tie off the back of an impressive attacking display against Galway Corinthians, but face a Shannon side hitting form at the right time.
Relegated last season from 1B, the Limerick outfit are pushing hard for an immediate return and showed their firepower with a 34-22 win over Dungannon, where Oisin Minogue crossed for four tries. UCC were dominant the last time these sides met in Cork in October 2024, but consistency has been an issue, and they will need their best performance yet to hold off a confident Shannon.
In the Division 2A play-offs, UL Bohemian and Sligo renew a rivalry that has become familiar in recent seasons. Previous meetings have often centred on survival for UL Bohs, but this time promotion is the prize. UL Bohs maintained their strong home record with victory over Clogher Valley last weekend, while Sligo arrive after relegating Old Crescent. With past encounters decided by the finest of margins, another tight contest is expected on Shannonside.
The Division 2C final offers a fitting finale, as Clonmel host Bective Rangers with the title up for grabs. There has been little to separate the sides this season, each claiming a narrow win over the other. Bective have impressed in their first season back following promotion and now stand one win away from a remarkable title triumph. Clonmel, meanwhile, have already tasted success this year with Munster Senior Plate honours and will look to make home advantage count, having lost just once on their own patch all season.
Survival remains the focus for Malahide as they host Boyne in a crucial 2C promotion/relegation play-off. Malahide’s late-season surge has given them a lifeline, but the job is not done. Boyne, denied automatic promotion after defeat to Enniskillen, now have one final opportunity to climb the ladder. With so much on the line, expect a fiercely contested battle to round off a gripping AIL season.
Fixtures:
Saturday April 25th
Energia All-Ireland League Division 1A Promotion/Relegation Play-Off Final
UCD v Dublin University, UCD Bowl, 2:30pm
Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B Promotion/Relegation Play-Off Final
UCC v Shannon, The Mardyke, 2:30pm
Energia All-Ireland League Division 2A Promotion/Relegation Play-Off Final
UL Bohemian v Sligo, UL 4G, 2:30pm
Energia All-Ireland League Division 2C Final
Clonmel v Bective Rangers, Ard Gaoithe, 2:30pm
Energia All-Ireland League Division 2C Promotion/Relegation Play-Off Final
Malahide v Boyne, Estuary Road, 2:30pm
Sunday April 26th
Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Division Final
UL Bohemian v Blackrock College, Aviva Stadium, 1:30pm
Energia All-Ireland League Division 1A Final
St Mary’s College v Clontarf, Aviva Stadium, 4pm

You must be logged in to post a comment Login