Hockey Irish Senior Cup final Lisnagarvey have recaptured the Irish Senior Cup - their first time to do so in the 21st century.

Composed and more balanced at Belfield on Saturday, the Ulstermen held off the desperate challenge of a Cork Harlequins side drained by a bruising trek to the final in quest of a trophy that continues to elude them but has been won by Lisnagarveyon more than 20 occasions.

It seems, in fact, that resourceful Lisnagarvey are on the brink of a total resurgence, for not only has Philip Stirling emerged as a remarkable marksman, but players such as under-18 international Tim Cockram are progressing in leaps and bounds.

Stirling's hat-trick on Saturday equalled that of Justin Sherriff for Pembroke Wanderers in the final three years ago, when Lisnagarvey ultimately lost on penalties. This time, there may have been some apprehension that Harlequins, given their survival qualities, would force another shoot-out, but though the Cork team did gain an eighth short corner on the final hooter, the chance of an equaliser fizzled out.

Harlequins had aimed to strike early but Neil Brazil kept out a shot by Dave Eakins and then Paul Fleming scraped the ball off the line following a thrust by the Lombard brothers, Paul and David.

Stirling gave Lisnagarvey the lead direct from a short corner midway through the opening period and Wesley Bateman needed to be at his most mobile to keep the score at one-nil, particularly with Julian Stevenson skinning his markers and Mark Tumilty entering the fray.

Yet, Harlequins set the second half alight by getting on terms after six minutes, when Sean Nicholson earned a corner, which was neatly worked for Richard Gash to set the net quivering.

Immediately, however, Lisnagarvey counter-attacked against an unprepared defence for Stirling to drive his side back into the lead. And when he scored again, this time from their third (and last) corner, it appeared that Harlequins' hopes were finished, for Jason Black's duel with fellow international Mark Raphael was an even contest.

John Hobbs, though, rallied the Munstermen from the back and Paul Lombard charged clear for Philip McLaughlin to snick the margin down to 3-2. But while 10 minutes remained, there was to be no further score, leaving Lisnagarvey quietly delighted, even if the IHA's innovative muzak was a trifle too loud.

Next Saturday, Lisnagarvey start their bid to complete the double when they return to Dublin to tackle Glenanne in the all-Ireland championship, while Harlequins, the title holders, at least have the comfort of playing at home in the first leg of their quarter-final against Annadale.

LISNAGARVEY: N Brazil; B Waring, P Fleming, E Lutton, M Lappin; M Raphael, L Tumilty, J Gray; P Stirling, K Lunn, J Stevenson. Subs: M Tumilty (capt), T Cockram. Coach: P McCabe.

CORK HARLEQUINS: W Bateman; M Pedersen, J Hobbs, P Chambers, C Brady; P Lombard, J Ahern, J Black (capt); D Eakins, D Lombard, S Nicholson. Subs: R Gash, P McLaughlin, B Hayes-Curtin. Coach: S Jackson.

Umpires: R O'Connor, W McCully.