Champions start off in Limerick

The reigning champions Dungannon will begin their 2001-2002 AIB League Division One campaign with a trip to Limerick on September 29th, in the opening round of fixtures. Willie Anderson's charges will face Garryowen at Dooradoyle as they bid to retain the title they won in such impressive fashion last season.

Last season's beaten finalists Cork Constitution will make the long trip to Eaton Park for a potentially difficult clash with Ballymena. Divisional newcomers Carlow and UCD both face top quality Limerick opposition. Carlow will host Young Munster at Oak Park while the students could not have asked for a tougher baptism at home to Shannon.

Traditional rivalries have not been ignored in a mouth watering opening day schedule. Buccaneers welcome Connacht neighbours Galwegians while the bragging rights of Dublin 6 will be at stake when St Mary's College make the short journey to Lakelands to face Terenure College.

Divisions Two and Three also begin on the last Saturday in September and in the latter category, Clonakilty and Connemara will play their first senior competitive matches. There will be seven rounds prior to Christmas with a further eight taking place in the New Year.

Meanwhile England utility back Austin Healy is set to face censure for comments made in a newspaper article prior to the Lions third test defeat by Australia. A statement released yesterday confirmed that Healy would be interviewed on his return from holidays.

It read: "The management of the Lions 2001 touring party has expressed considerable concern at the newspaper comments allegedly made by Austin Healey in advance of the Lions v Australia third Test Match in Sydney last Saturday.

"Consequently, Mr Healey will be asked to attend a meeting of the disciplinary committee at a date to be set once he returns from holiday. The committee - Donal Lenihan (manager), Graham Henry (coach), and Martin Johnson (captain) - wish to give Mr Healey the fullest opportunity to explain his alleged newspaper comments before considering any possible disciplinary action against him."