SHANNON, winners of the Insurance Corporation All Ireland League title for the past two seasons, face a tough opening to the defence of their title next season.

Shannon visit Young Munster, one of two clubs to beat the title holders in the league last season, in their opening match on December 7th. Their second match is at home to Cork Constitution, who finished third in the league and their third match is away to St Mary's the other club to defeat Shannon last season. That match is again at Templeville Road as was last season's engagement. League runners up Garryowen open their campaign with a home match against Blackrock College.

Cork Constitution face the prospect of three visits to Limerick away to Shannon, Garryowen and Young Munster. St Mary's College, who have never won a league match in Limerick, will have only one visit to that county when they visit Young Munster.