Clontarf wait on Mahony's fitness

League leaders Clontarf are waiting to see if centre Conor Mahony passes a fitness test for the visit of St Mary's College to Castle Avenue this weekend.

Daire Higgins, who filled in last Saturday, and fit-again London Harlequins-bound Andy Dunne may come into the reckoning.

Meanwhile second-place Lansdowne may be reduced in quality by the absence of full back Brian O'Mahony, right wing Karl Becker (hamstring) and centre Killian Kennedy (bruised hand) at home to Galwegians.

Buccaneers will be without Darren Yapp and there are serious concerns over Wayne Munn and Ted Robinson ahead of their crucial tie with Ballymena at Ericsson Park.

Ballymena themselves have selected Ireland's Gary Longwell and Perpignan-bound Mark Blair in the second row with one of Ireland's finest prospects Matt McCullough on the blindside.

UCD Director of Rugby John McLean hopes to have scrum-half Brian O'Riordan, centre Shane Moore and back rower Dermot Blaney on board for the away game at Terenure College. Number eight Des Dillon and prop Michael Moynagh have been ruled out.