New Bruff coach and former Munster centre Mike Lynch could hardly contain his admiration for a developing team, following a surprising but thoroughly deserved Ulster Bank League Division 1B victory over favourites Ballymena at Kilballyowen Park on Saturday.

IT was as coach Brian Walsh predicted – difficult – but Cork Constitution were resilient enough to secure the 26-20 victory over Shannon that was required to keep them on top of Division 1A of the All Ireland League.

A new park and ride facility is planned by Cork City Council for the Carrigrohane Straight Road on the western side of the city.

IRELAND’S young club stars get an opportunity to test themselves against a visiting French region in Ashbourne, County Meath on Sunday (noon).

CHAMPIONS Shannon will face Shane Byrne’s Blackrock College in the AIB Cup second round in a repeat of last season’s final.

GIANT EAGLE, down in class following respectable efforts at Punchestown and the Curragh, duly did the business in the Bumper at Cork yesterday.

ONE for the rugby fans and history buffs in Dooradoyle this afternoon when Clonakilty and Garryowen clash in the AIB Cup semi-final (2.30pm).

The Irish U18 club team to play Scotland in Glasgow on Sunday has been named.

CLONTARF kept up their challenge for AIB league honours when they proved too strong for Buccaneers at Castle Avenue on Saturday.

THE AIB All-Ireland League may have lost its appeal for all but the most dedicated club followers.

EDDIE O’Sullivan has chosen a largely developmental Ireland A side to meet their French counterparts in Limoges on Friday.

By Barry Coughlan

AIB ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE RESULTS:

THE All-Ireland league recommences today and though attendances and incomes are falling, grassroots passion remains as strong as ever. Declan Colley canvasses the opinions of those at the coalface.

LANSDOWNE'S slide towards relegation continued apace on Saturday when they were beaten 16-17 by Buccaneers at Lansdowne Road.

The Ireland U19 team and replacements to play against England U19 at Blackrock College RFC, Stradbrook, on Saturday, February 26, is as follows:

Dublin University 5 Garryowen 6

HEINEKEN Munster Junior Cup holders, Nenagh Ormond will open the defence of their title in the second round with a trip away to the winners of the Young Munster-St. Senan’s clash.

NIGEL MELVILLE might have known the afternoon was going to be different when he heard the Latin.

The Ireland Under 18 Squad that will compete in the Four Nations Tournament which begins in Belfast on Saturday has been announced.

THE battle for the one promotion spot from Division Two of the AIB League really hots up this afternoon with leaders Dolphin involved in a typical banana-skin style encounter against Bective Rangers at Musgrave Park while their closest pursuers, Old Crescent and Thomond, clash in a crucial tie at Rosbrien.

AIB League results

Ireland have named a 40-man Under-21 squad for back-to-back games against France this weekend.

The Irish Under 19 rugby squad will depart for Italy on St Patrick's Day to compete in the FIRA World Cup.