Fiercely competitive AIL season in store as top flight takes on distinctly Dublin flavour

The power shift towards a Dublin-centric Energia AIL Division 1A continues apace. Four Leinster clubs reached the play-offs for the first time last season, while Old Wesley’s hard-earned promotion and return to the top flight after a 29-year absence also means seven of the 10 clubs this season will be from the capital.

Logistically, that equates to just three coach journeys along with a dozen derbies, whereas Constitution, Ballynahinch and Young Munster will make nine bus drives apiece with no derbies.