As the organisers marked the approach of the third Setanta Sports Cup with an official launch in Belfast yesterday, the bulk of Drogheda United's ever-expanding squad were trying to put any thoughts regarding the defence of their "All.-Ireland" title to one side while they prepared for this evening's altogether more local affair - the annual pre-season encounter with neighbours Dundalk at Oriel Park (kick-off 7.45pm).

For Ollie Cahill, the highly versatile 31-year-old who has been part of some very big occasions with Cork City and Shelbourne over the past decade or so, the game will provide a first taste of a Louth derby since he arrived at United from Tolka Park a few weeks back.

After that, the focus will switch to Linfield next Monday and the campaign to win a title that this year's Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland Personality of the Year would dearly love to add to his own roll of honour.

"The five years I had at Shelbourne were very successful," he says, "but to be honest, I haven't won a cup since the one with Cork in '98 so even from that point of view I'd love us to do well in this competition.

"Apart from that, though, it's an event that's proven its worth over the past couple of years and everybody's going to be keen to do well. There's huge pride amongst everyone who was here then that United won it last time and, as holders, the club will be determined to give a good account of itself again.

"From a personal point of view, I'd love to make up for the disappointment of two years ago when we were well beaten by Linfield in a final most people fancied us to win.

"The defeat sort of knocked the wind out of us and we seemed to struggle in the league for a few weeks afterwards. It would mean a lot to me now to get to the final with United and to win it this time."

Next Monday's game will provide the first clear indication of manager Paul Doolin's thinking on his preferred first team and, like everyone else, the Clonmel man is acutely aware of how important it would be to nail down a place.

"A few of us have come in from a successful team, but nobody's under any illusions - they have a very strong squad of players here and there can be no guarantees in this sort of situation.

"Having said that," he adds, "between all of the competitions you need a big squad, we had one at Shelbourne and it was a big reason for the success we achieved, so I think there will be opportunities for everyone to play and spells when you find yourself on the sidelines for a bit, that's all part of the game now."

A win over the Irish League champions in the side's first group match would represent the ideal start for Drogheda, but Cahill warns against reading too much into the cross-Border results.

"I think a lot of people have been pushing for this to develop into an All- Ireland League and, while I think that might be a good enough idea, I really think it's a few years off yet.

"In the meantime, it's hard to take anything too much away from the games because with the timing of the seasons if we win they say it's because we're fresh and if they win we're saying it's because they're sharper thanks to all the games they have under their belts.

"Generally," he says, "there's a feeling that the league is stronger down here, but, in truth, I don't think there's a whole lot of difference in the standard between the very best teams . . . just look at the trouble we had at Shelbourne with Linfield every time we played them last year."

Tonight, though, a somewhat older rivalry will be revived for the night as United take on Dundalk in the Jim Malone Cup.

"On the face of it, it should just be a bit of a warm-up for next week, but somehow I don't think it's going to be an ordinary friendly," laughs Cahill. "Both sets of fans will certainly want to win it and that will probably transfer to the players."