Lisnagarvey just won't fade away. Here they are again, as sturdily equipped as ever, taking on Pembroke Wanderers in tomorrow's Nissan-sponsored Irish Senior Cup quarter-final at Serpentine Avenue, still with real capabilities of carrying off the trophy for the ninth time in 12 seasons.

But Ray Geddis, Norman McNellis, Alan Dowd and Peter Richardson must be mellowing by now, with Robbie Taylor less fiery, Daniel Clarke merely cruising and Julian Stevenson a degree less lively. At the very least, Packenham Pim's return to his Dublin roots is surely social.

Even several of the recent newcomers, Mark Tumilty, Brian Waring and Johnny Gray, already have medals from the 1997 final against Pembroke.

Pembroke lacked maturity on that occasion. Lisnagarvey struck early and stayed in front to win 4-3. Jimmy Kirkwood is now in quest of success in the Junior Cup while the home side will miss the assurance of the injury-dogged Peter Young.

Coping without the combative qualities of Turlough O Siochain has been overcome as Pembroke have retained their number one standing in Leinster circles. Notable elements here have been the continued excellence of Nigel Henderson between the posts, the retention of a powerful midfield presence through Paudie Carley and Devin Donnelly and the goal-poaching ability of Simon Kershaw.

There is no doubt, though, that a peak performance will be required to outflank a Lisnagarvey side which has been restored by Terry Gregg to mount a full challenge for fresh honours.

Perhaps, a factor will be that Pembroke will be hungrier. This showed in the elimination of Harlequins. "We certainly won't lack motivation," said Simon Filgas.

In the afternoon's other quarter-final, Instonians will be expected to remain in the running for a second successive grand slam by edging out Annadale at Olympia. Although these two sides could play no more than a scoreless draw in the Ulster League last weekend, a more positive performance is expected from Neil Cooke's brigade today.

Put back for a week are the Cork C of I-Avoca and Glenanne-Three Rock Rovers ties while Avoca indulge in the European indoor championship (C division) in Budapest this weekend. The opposition will be mainly from countries with a less temperate climate than we enjoy here. Avoca need to gain promotion to boost interest on the home front.