STRADBROOK will be the main focus of attention this afternoon in the First Division of the Insurance Corporation All Ireland League when league leaders and defending champions Shannon meet Blackrock College.

Nor is there any doubt that Blackrock, apart from doing themselves a major favour were they to defeat Shannon, will have the support and good wishes of those clubs in pursuit of the champions who still entertain some hopes of staying in contention for the championship.

A win for Blackrock would certainly open up the situation and also bring them level on points with the champions. Were that to happen and Lansdowne, who will be without Eric Elwood and Kurt McQuilkin, defeat Garryowen in Dooradoyle, then it would be a three-way tie at the top.

But Shannon could effectively kill Blackrock's hopes with a win, and if Lansdowne do not get any return from Dooradoyle then it will be very short odds on Shannon to retain the title and indeed win it for a third successive season. That would be a magnificent achievement.

St Mary's College, three points off the pace, take on Old Wesley at Donnybrook, and Old Wesley need the points to move up the table from the danger zone. The meeting of Dungannon and Young Munster at Stevenson Park is in the same context, while Old Belvedere, on six points, take on Cork Constitution, on seven, at Anglesea Road.

Terenure College do not have a relegation problem, but their opponents today, Instonians, at Lakelands Park, most certainly do.

The Second Division leaders, Bective Rangers, make the journey to Kilternan to play DLSP, while Dolphin, just one point behind Bective, take on Skerries, who, on 10 points, are three behind their opponents today.

Clontarf, two points behind Bective, will be at home to mid-table Monkstown. Malone, on six points would ease any potential relegation difficulties with a win over Highfield, who are in deep trouble with just one win.

Greystones, with 10 points, would further improve their position with a win over NIFC, who are on three at Dr Hickey Park.

Galwegians, the Third Division-leaders, visit UCD, and will be favoured to consolidate their position at the top. Buccaneers, two points behind Galwegians with a match in hand, will be at home to Queen's University and should win. Portadown three points adrift of Galwegians, are another side very much in contention for promotion and face a difficult task in the visit to Bohemians, who are on 10 points.

The only club in the league with a 100 per cent record, Suttonians, who stand two points ahead of Ballynahinch, will clinch promotion and almost assuredly the Fourth Division title if they defeat Ards at Hamilton Park. But it is a crucial match, as Ards stand only two points behind the leaders and are level with Ballynahinch, who are at home to Creggs.

So altogether a programme of immense significance across all four divisions, and with two series of matches to play in Division Four, a few issues of promotion and relegation could be settled today.