Ballybunion moved a step closer to regaining the AIG Junior Cup for the first time since 2013 but it needed a 20th hole victory in the defining singles match at Carton House to edge their semi-final against Loughrea.

STEPHEN IRELAND might still be on a self-imposed exile from international football but that hasn’t stopped him being nominated for a Young Player Of the Year gong in the 18th eircom/FAI International Awards, which will be broadcast live on RTÉ in February.

All Ireland league teams named for weekend

AIB League leaders Clontarf travel to Limerick for their clash with UL Bohemians on Saturday while second placed Ballymena have home advantage over fourth placed Shannon.

There are no AIB All-Ireland League Division One matches this weekend, but there is a full programme of Division Two and Three fixtures.