OCC Division 1/2 fixtures for 2017 revealed

The Open Compeittions Committee has revealed the Division 1 and 2 fixtures for the 2017 season and as normal, it presents an intriguing taster for the months ahead.

The first and last weekends of the season always catch the eye first Which teams can get off to a flier, and will there any be any last day winner takes all affairs?

In Division 1, both promoted sides will meet, with Cork County travelling to Rathmines to play Leinster. Phoenix have a tricky start at home to defending champions Clontarf, with 2016 runners-up Pembroke meeting The Hills in Milverton. There is another Fingal vs Dublin 4 match at the top of the pile, as North County host YMCA.

Division 2's opening weekend sees North Kildare host Railway Union in a repet of last year's Leinster Senior Cup quarter final. Malahide play Terenure, Balbriggan entertain Dublin University, and Irish Senior Cup champions Merrion travel to Rush.

The matches between last season's top two also grab attention. Champions Clontarf play Pembroke in Castle Avenue on Monday 5th June, with the return fixture on Saturday 19th August. The matches betweeen the two relegated sides in Division 2 will also be keenly anticipated. Merrion welcome Railway Union to Anglesea Road in Saturday 20th May, with the return match being on Saturday 5th August.

The final weekend of the season will heopfully being elation and heartache, and there looks to be some crackers. YMCA will play Pembroke, Clontarf travel to The Hills, Phoenix play Cork County and Leinster host North County. In Division 2, Merrion will be hoping that they have already done enough, as they sit out the final week. The other three ties see North Kildare play Terenure, Malahide host Balbriggan and Rush at home to Railway Union.

The action all kicks off on Saturday 22nd April.