Quite apart from the race for the actual Celtic League title there are also mini battles in the competition to decide qualification for next seasons European Cup, as well as places for the end of season Celtic Cup competition.
HEINEKEN CUP QUALIFICATION
The top three Welsh teams, top three Irish teams and the top two Scots in the final Celtic League table should qualify for the 2005/06 version of the European Cup. In addition the top finisher in each of the three nations will secure a top seeding spot for the competition.
Even then there is still a possible route into the Heineken Cup for the top ranked non qualified team to play in a playoff against the 3rd team in Italy to qualify for Europes premier competition.
THE CELTIC CUP QUALIFICATION
The top eight sides in the final Celtic League table will go forward to the Celtic Cup quarter-finals with the top four teams playing at home over the weekend of 29/30 April, 1 May. The matchups will pit 1st place against 8th, 2nd versus 7th, 3rd will take on 6th, whilst 4th place will play at home to 5th.
The four winners will then progress into the hat for the semi-final draw with matches played the following weekend.
On Saturday, 14 May (kick off 5.30pm) the final will be played to decide the Celtic Cup winners for 2004/05.