Pembroke Wanderers, the unbeaten Leinster League leaders, aiming to carry off the Irish Senior Cup for the first time since 1973, last night found themselves drawn at home to Lisnagarvey, in the quarter-finals of the Nissan-sponsored competition on February 20th.
While this is the top pairing, an exhilarating tie is also promised in the renewal of rivalry at Garryduff between Cork C of I and Avoca, the 1996 winners.
The other two games are all-local clashes with Glenanne taking on Three Rock Rovers at Tallaght and Instonians, the holders, meeting Annadale at Olympia, in Belfast.
Lisnagarvey, seeking the trophy for the ninth time in 12 years, last won the cup in 1997 when they beat Pembroke for 42 at the final at Belfield.
Jimmy Kirkwood, who won his 10th medal on that occasion, has retired; but Lisnagarvey remain one of the country's most powerful sides. Alan Dowd continues to command a sturdy defence while Daniel Clarke can be devastating in attack. However, playing at Serpentine Avenue will be a bonus to Pembroke and it was here that they achieved a rare victory over Lisnagarvey when they captured the All Ireland League title three years ago. Now coached by Simon Filgas, the elimination of Harlequins in Cork in the fourth round last month was a barometer of their cup fighting ability, inspired by Nigel Henderson in goal.
Cork C of I, who have been developing as one of Ireland's most talented club sides, should be capable of beating Avoca, who lost their first game in defence of their 1996 crown when they went under, if only in extra time, at Garryduff. Later in the 1997 campaign C of I were eliminated by Belvedere and have suffered other surprise reversals; but, led by Alastair Dunne, this may well be their year to regain the trophy which the club won three times in a row two decades ago.
Three Rock Rovers, who reached last season's final, will have a tough assignment in facing Glennane, who recently won a Leinster championship match 3-1 at St Mark's. Rovers, though, were under-strength that day and Glenanne will need to improve on the form shown last Saturday when they went under heavily in the league to Pembroke.
Instonians, unvanquished in their bid to complete another all Ireland double, probably can resist Annadale's challenge, though the latter showed their exuberance in fighting back from arrears of 3-0 to share the points with Lisnagarvey last weekend.
