Talismanic prop Neil O’Kane will lead Rainey Old Boys into unchartered territory when they sample life in Division 2A of the AIL next season. The outstanding promotion/relegation issues in the lower Divisions have now been settled. Despite winning last week, both Ballymena and Bruff slip down to Division 2A, to be replaced by Terenure College and Corinthians. Naas join Rainey and Barnhall in 2A after beating Greystones 44-23 in a play-off at Dr Hickey Park, and Clonakilty have lost their senior status after going down 26-23 to Limerick club Richmond in a play-off at The Vale.
Round robin winners Tullamore from Offaly crowned a memorable season by adding the Leinster Towns’ Cup to the All-Ireland Junior Cup which they captured earlier in the year. DLSP and Middleton will be playing their rugby in 2B next season.
While they know that wins will be hard to come by at a higher level, Rainey will, at least, be facing familiar opposition much of the time. Galwegians, Bective Rangers and UUC are the new sides they will meet. The coaches and recruitment committee will be meeting regularly between now and the end of May as they seek to finalise a panel capable of rising to this new challenge.
