WHILE Old Crescent and Portadown have already won the second and fourth division titles respectively, some other important issues will also be decided this weekend in the Insurance Corporation League. But one that will not is the destination of the first division title.
The focus of attention in the top division will centre on Dooradoyle this afternoon when Garryowen entertain St Mary's College. With the division title now between Garryowen and Shannon, the home side really must win. Shannon have completed their programme and stand two points clear and with a much better points difference.
So Garryowen need three points from their final two matches today's and next week's meeting with Young Munster to foil Shannon's bid to retain the title.
That Garryowen are in a position to become the first club to win the first division three times is a great tribute to the club and the depth of talent within it. They lost five internationals this season: Philip Danaher, Neville Furlong. Richard Costello and Keith Wood, all through injury, and Ben Cronin, who went back to Waterpark.
St Mary's make the journey after dropping three points in their last two matches and consequently cannot win the title. They also go to a city where they have never won a league match, a heavy psychological burden. At least today they will be able to go into the match free of tension, knowing that the points are not a necessity to keep them in contention.
Elsewhere in the first division, today's matches will do no more than help determine the finishing order, although in addition to that match next week between Garryowen and Young Munster, St Mary's and Cork Constitution meet next week in a match postponed from March 30th because of Ireland's involvement in the Hong Kong sevens.
The other first division clubs complete their league programmes today, and those still involved in the provincial cups ban then concentrate on those competitions.
With Old Crescent having already won the second division crown and Dungannon also assured of promotion, the match of most significance in the division today is the meeting of Greystones and Terenure College at Dr Hickey Park. This will decree the third promotion place.
Terenure stand two points clear of Greystones and have a 69 points difference advantage. Thus Greystones would not alone have to win but would have to do by 35 points. With no relegation, the remainder of the second division programme is about the prestige of gaining points.
Two second division matches are on the schedule tomorrow, and one involves the new champions Old Crescent. They travel to Sunday's Well and the incentive for Old Crescent is to finish their league campaign unbeaten. Wanderers take on Dolphin at Lansdowne Road.
The destination of the third division title will be decided this afternoon when Monkstown travel to play Galwegians and City of Derry will be at home to Buccaneers. Monkstown stand two points clear of Derry, so a draw in Galway will give them the title. But if Monkstown lose and Derry win, then Derry will be champions on superior points difference.
Monkstown, Derry and Highfield are all assured of promotion. There is a battle for the remaining three places between five clubs. They are DLSP, Skerries and Bohemians, all on 11 points, UCC on to and Buccaneers on nine. Points difference could come into play.
Skerries and Bohemians meet at Holmpatrick in a match vital for both sides. DLSP are at home to Waterpark and will fancy their chances. The match between UCC and UCD has a dual purpose. In addition to the league points (and UCC have the greater incentive in that regard), if UCC win they will not alone gain promotion, they will also win the Dudley Cup.
The meeting of fourth division champions Portadown and Dublin University at College Park gives Trinity a chance to arrest a recent slide and Portadown the opportunity to finish the championship with, a 100 per cent record. Collegians, in, second place, have completed their programme, and are assured of a third division berth.
