Cork derby and Cup semi-final preview headline Domino’s Men’s Super League Christmas weekend

Energywise Ireland Neptune head coach Ciaran Kiveney says his side “truly believe we have the ability to turn our season around”, as they gear up for an eagerly anticipated Domino’s Men’s Super League derby against UCC Demons on Saturday. It is a battle of the bottom two, with both on identical records of 2-9.

The new-look UCC Demons - with Tamyrik Fields and Jordan Washington in the fold - enjoyed a good win against EJ Sligo All-Stars, but it was followed up by a narrow defeat to St. Vincent’s last week. For Neptune, it has almost been like for like, with a big win two weeks ago against Garvey’s Tralee Warriors, followed up by a heavy defeat to UCD Marian.

Tamyrik Fields scored 24 points for UCC Demons in last week's narrow 103-99 defeat at St. Vincent's in the Domino's Men's Super League.

Energywise Ireland Neptune head coach Ciaran Kiveney is confident ahead of the derby. “I think one of the biggest games of the year will always be Neptune versus Demons. The history and the rivalry is second to none. Although, I think neither team will be happy with our current standings, but it will take nothing away from this game. As a team, we truly believe we have the ability to turn our season around and this weekend will be a starting point for us. With a capacity crowd expected we cannot wait to get going on the 27^th”, he said.

The Domino’s MSL National Cup semi-finals take place in the opening weekend of 2026, but there is an early taster this weekend, with league leaders Ballincollig welcoming Limerick Celtics on Sunday. Celtics appear to have hit a purple patch with two wins in three behind the plays of AJ Williams and Abdul Wurie. Ballincollig meanwhile, are 9-2 and won their ninth consecutive game last weekend with a win over fellow playoff hopefuls in Belfast Star.

Griffith College Éanna will play UCD Marian in a Dublin derby this weekend with hope that they can move ahead of Marian in the battle for third, with both sides currently locked at 7-4. Marian are one of the in-form teams in the league at the moment, winning four of their last five games. Éanna have had form of their own, with two wins coming against Celtics and Killorglin, but did lose out in last weekend’s fixture against Tralee.

Belfast Star have suffered three weeks of losses, including a cup elimination against fellow title challengers Ballincollig. This weekend Adrian Fulton’s side travel to Sligo to face the All-Stars, who are 4-7 for the season. After starting the season 8-1, Belfast have suffered back-to-back losses for the first time this season with defeats coming against Ballincollig and Killester. They will look to get their season back on track as they face a Sligo side who have seen defeat for the last three consecutive gameweek’s in the Domino’s Men’s Super League.

There is one game that has been rescheduled this week with Killester now taking on St. Vincent’s on January 1^st in the second Dublin derby of the gameweek. All National League games will be live this weekend on BITV.

Domino's Men's Super League Fixtures

Saturday 27th December

Energywise Ireland Neptune v UCC Demons, Neptune Stadium, 4pm

Sunday 28th December

Ballincollig v Limerick Celtics, MTU Arena, 2pm

Griffith College Éanna v UCD Marian, Colaiste Éanna, 3pm

EJ Sligo All-Stars v Belfast Star, Mercy College, 3pm

Wednesday 1st January

Killester v St. Vincent's, IWA, 1pm 

Domino’s Men’s Division One Fixtures

Saturday 27th December

Team North West v Carrick Cruisers, Foyle Arena, 3pm

Titans BC v Maree, Kingfisher, 3pm

Maigh Cuilinn v SPK Utility Trust Lakers, Kingfisher, 7pm

ND Audit Portlaoise Panthers v Limerick Sport Eagles, St. Mary’s Hall, 7pm

Sunday 28th December

Drogheda Wolves v Templeogue, Ballymakenny College, 3pm

Moy Tolka Rovers v Dublin Lions, Tolka Rovers Sports Complex, 4pm

Malahide v Ulster University, Malahide Community School, 5pm