Victors in Cup look to go clear

There has yet to be a more crucial weekend in deciding the destination of this year's ESB League title

There has yet to be a more crucial weekend in deciding the destination of this year's ESB League title. Still buzzing from their first cup win in 13 years, Killester have a chance to pull four points clear at the top and with that, cast further weight on the chances of a league-cup double.

Tomorrow they face a Sligo team currently struggling at the other end of the table. They do welcome back Chad Holmes from injury but Killester are loaded with the sort of confidence that only cup victories can produce and it will be the surprise of the season if they don't bring home the points.

In contrast, second-placed Notre Dame are facing a confidence crisis. Their drive for five cup titles was burnt by Killester last Saturday night, and Anthony Jenkins remains extremely doubtful after suffering a foot injury in that defeat.

They host current league champions Neptune in tomorrow's live TV game (TG4, 5.0). Although the Cork club have now lost sight of that title, they remain one of the few teams to beat Notre Dame this season.

READ MORE

On Sunday, Notre Dame are back on court to face UCD Marian. Well rested after last weekend's cup break, Marian are also eager to keep their title hopes alive.

Also looking to keep an eye on the title race will be the Saints, who take on Dublin rivals Tolka Rovers this evening, and Limerick, who travel to Cork on Sunday to face the Demons.

If any doubts remain about the Wildcats grip on the women's league title, they would be removed on Sunday should they beat Tolka Rovers. And having destroyed them in the cup final last weekend, it will take a small miracle for Tolka to halt their charge.

Ian O'Riordan

Ian O'Riordan

Ian O'Riordan is an Irish Times sports journalist writing on athletics