Last night's win for Cork County over Leinster in Division 2 moved them into second place, and finally confirmed that there will be a play off between the 7th placed finisher in Division 1 and the runner up in Division 2. Dublin University, who weren't going to play in a play off, and who have been in the top two of Division 2 since April have finally dropped to third.
But incredibly, with only five days to the end of the league campaign, we are not even close to knowing who will be playing in the play off.
In Division 1, tonight's match between Railway Union and Merrion will go a along way to deciding the bottom of the top division. A win for Merrion would mean 8th place and relegation for Railway Union, with the play off spot to be between Phoenix and Merrion, who play Clontarf and North County respectively on Saturday. A Railway Union win tonight would mean that Phoenix would be safe, and the play off spot would be dependent on Railway and Merrion's results on Saturday, with Railway hosting Pembroke (who themselves can still win the Division 1 title)
Division 2 is just as tricky, and unbelievably, three teams can still win the title, with all three also candidates for the play off spot. Leinster have been favourites for the title for most of the season, but have been spluttering badly recently, and need to beat Terenure on Saturday to win the league. They could lose and still win the league, but that is very much dependent on the other two teams making up this triumvirate.
Cork County had a fantastic weekend last week, winning matches against Terenure, North Kildare and Leinster. That could all count for nothing if they were to lost to Balbriggan on Saturday in the Mardyke. If they win against Balbriggan, they will be guaranteed at least a play spot and may win the league.
However, should they lost to Balbriggan, it is the Fingal side who have a chance of pinching the glory. Balbriggan play again on Sunday against Rush, a match postponed from last weekend when Rush were successfully defending their National Cup crown. If they won both games with bonus points, they could overtake Leinster (if Leinster lost with a small number of bonus points). However they could win both matches narrowly, and not even overtake Cork County. Somewhere in between will give them the play off place.
Once again, eight team leagues have brought about a fascinating end to the season! The play off will take place in Claremont Road on Saturday 10th September