After the highs and lows of the cup quarter-finals last week, the return to the ESB League affords a few teams the chance to forget the past and look to the future.
Neptune had no luck last Sunday when they made their cup exit at the hands of Killester. Tomorrow they play host to Star of the Sea (5.0, live TG4) in a game where they need the points to get their title defence back on track.
Confidence has been falling like the Christmas countdown and, on top of that, coach Gerry Fitzpatrick faces a major doubt over his two Americans. Andy Meyers went out with an ankle injury just minutes into Sunday's game (proving a most decisive loss) and Charron Watson is also hampered by a fractured wrist.
But if Neptune are having it bad, what about Limerick? Their cup hopes ended with defeat by Notre Dame last Saturday, despite leading by seven points at the end of the third quarter. And after starting out so well in the league, the team now appears to be falling apart at the seams. Coach Tom Hehir is sure to be without his two Americans for tomorrow's trip to Killester. Lance Barnes is returning home and Cleotis Brown - the league's most consistent scorer this season - is out with a foot injury.
Joint third with Limerick and Killester are UCD Marian, and they'll be eager to maintain their strong form when they travel to Cork on Sunday to meet the Demons, who will be determined to put last weekend's loss to Ballina behind them.
Elsewhere, Notre Dame can keep their title hopes alive with a win over Tralee. Similarly, the Saints can add some more concrete to their lead when they travel to Sligo.
In the women's league, Killester will be out to avenge Tolka Rovers after the narrow cup defeat last weekend. The league champions were lucky to sneak past their Dublin rivals but with home advantage here, Killester may be able to turn the tables. Killester are on court again on Sunday when they meet the Wildcats.
