Lisnagarvey might not have reached this weekend's four-team final stages of the All-Ireland Championship at Belfield if Cork C of I's strongest player, Alastair Dunne, had not sprained an ankle after giving his side a 2-0 lead in the second leg of their quarter-final tie last Saturday.
But, reprieved ultimately in a 7-6 aggregate win, the fact that the Lisburn club have restored their former international captain, Alan Dowd, to the squad, after he had retired to the second XI, is a significant indication of the Ulster champions' intention to regain a place in European competition.
Dowd's vast experience can provide greater stability at the back and with Daniel Clarke and Julian Stevenson contributing similar guile in attack - allied to the ability of the fresher Ireland players, Brian Waring and Mark Raphael - Lisnagarvey undoubtedly will be a major force over the next three days. They will be all the more determined after being deprived of the honours by Glenanne in the final duel in the sun last year.
Pembroke Wanderers, who have also previously won the title, are bound to be equally well equipped for the challenge. They now field a handsome quota of international figures, of whom goalkeeper Nigel Henderson is always an inspiration while the prolific strikers, Gordon Elliott and Justin Sherriff, may well again be matchwinners, particularly if Devin Donnelly maintains his recent dynamic form in midfield.
As regards Cork Harlequins and Annadale, they may not have the same range of attacking prowess as the two more accomplished teams. But Harlequins are tigerishly competitive, notably through Jason Black, Paul Lombard ad Dave Eakins, and will keep the weekend fully alive, as indeed will Annadale. In eliminating the holders, Glenanne, they were effective in counter thrusts by Chris Jackson while David Smyth, Gareth Kidd and Johnny Moore gave the defence much assurance.
While the programme has been planned to make the Pembroke v Lisnagarvey pairing the deciding match on Sunday, both Harlequins and Annadale could pick up a crucial point or two today or tomorrow.
