New AIL season fixtures announced today

Defending AIL champions, Shannon, will open their 2004/05 league campaign by taking on Blackrock at Thomond Park as they go in search of a seventh All-Ireland crown.

League runners up Cork Constitution, narrowly beaten in the final by Shannon in May, begin their season on the road when they will face Buccaneers in a repeat of one of last season's semi finals.

Bewly promoted Dublin University face a tough game first up as they travel west to play an experienced Galwegians side.

Relegated from Division One on the final day of the season, St. Mary's College will be hoping to make a quick return to the top flight when they open their account to Old Crescent in Limerick.

The other side relegated from Division One, Dolphin, will also be beginning their campaign away in Limerick to Young Munster.

Last seasons Division Three winners Highfield have the luxury of a home tie against Thomond in their first match.

In Division Three, newly promoted junior side Bruff are at home for their first ever appearance in the AIB League where they will play Cork side Clonakilty.

All divisional semi-finals are due to take place on April 30, with the finals being staged on the same day a week later on Saturday May 7.

First Division 2004/2005 opener:

Sat 16th October: Ballymena v Clontarf

Belfast Harlequins v Dungannon

Buccaneers v Cork Constitution

Co. Carlow v Garryowen

Galwegians v Dublin University

Shannon v Blackrock College

U.C.D. V Lansdowne

SECOND DIVISION 2004/2005

Sat 16th October:

Barnhall v UL Bohemian

Bective Rangers v Waterpark

Highfield v Thomond

Malone v Terenure College

Midleton v D.L.S.P.

Old Belvedere v Ballynahinch

Old Crescent v St. Mary's College

Young Munster v Dolphin

U.C.C. (Free)

THIRD DIVISION 2004/2005

Sat 16th October:

Ballina v Old Wesley

Banbridge v Wanderers

Bruff v Clonakilty

Connemara v Queens University

Corinthians v Portadown

Greystones v Skerries

Instonians v City of Derry

Sunday's Well v Suttonians

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