Shannon face opening trip to St Mary's in title defence

Last year's AIB League champions Shannon, UL Bohemians and Greystones will all face away trips when the league resumes for the 2005/06 season in October.

Mick Galwey's Shannon side, who claimed the Division One title for the seventh time in May, will travel to promoted St Mary's College on Saturday, October 15 - the opening day of the season across all three divisions.

The team Shannon beat in last season's final, Belfast Harlequins, now with former Ulster captain Andy Ward as their coach, will entertain Garryowen on the opening day in what is a repeat of the 2004 semi-final.

Back in the top flight thanks to last season's success, UL Bohs travel to Cork Constitution first time out, while Greystones, newly-installed in Division Two, face a trip to Malone's Gibson Park.

Meanwhile, Nenagh-Ormond, Tipperary's first ever All-Ireland League representatives, will begin their assault on Division Three at home (New Ormond Park) against Banbridge.

The AIL season proper runs from October through to April 29, 2006, with the play-off semi-finals and finals to follow in May.

AIB League Fixtures:

Division One - Saturday, October 15 (kick-offs 2.30pm):

Ballymena v Lansdowne, Eaton Park

Belfast Harlequins v Garryowen, Deramore Park

Clontarf v Dublin University, Castle Avenue

Cork Constitution v UL Bohemians, Temple Hill

Dungannon v Buccaneers, Stevenson Park

Galwegians v Blackrock College, Crowley Park

St Mary's College v Shannon, Templeville Road

UCD v County Carlow, Belfield