Tigers and Demons in big Cup clash
Yesterday’s pairing is undoubtedly the tie of the round, and there was understandable relief among the other survivors that they had avoided the favourites in the last eight.
The sides have already met twice this year in the SuperLeague and Demons, who are unbeaten in the competition, won both ties. And they are scheduled to meet again in the SuperLeague the weekend before the Cup game - also in Tralee.
“We know each other so well I wouldn’t be shocked if we get invited to Christmas dinner,” Demons’ Coach Pat Price reacted.
He admitted, however, that they won’t be putting a lot of importance on the results of the other games when they face each other in the Cup.
“It doesn’t matter if you have beaten them 10 times because if they beat you once in the Cup you are out and you end up watching the finals on TV.”
He is also disregarding the two earlier meetings and particularly the last game at the Mardyke Arena: “Tralee had just introduced a new player and he was settling in. They will be a more settled team now. I would expect a tough game in Tralee. They are the defending champions and I know from experience they will want to hang on to their title. That gives them an added incentive.”
Tigers coach Joe Quirke was not uncomfortable with the draw. “I don’t mind playing them at all,” he said. “Remember this stage last year. Killester were the top team in the country and nobody wanted to draw them in the Cup. We drew them and beat them and we went on to win the Cup.
“We were disappointed with our recent visit to the Mardyke Arena but we had a new player just off the plane and we were a bit unsettled. The Cup is a peculiar competition. Some years ago we had a big win over Neptune in the SuperLeague but they came back the following week and trounced us in the Cup. You have a different outlook on the cup - the pace is faster and everything seems to happen.”
Limerick coach, Tom Hehir was happy with their draw which has them at home to UCD.
“The first thing we wanted was a home draw. We have not played at home in the Cup in three years and could have got worse.
“Right now we are just one game away from the semi-finals. We are playing quite well and it is just a matter of keeping everyone healthy and keeping up the momentum.
“We will have a huge crowd for the game and I would expect a great atmosphere.”
Gleneagle Lakers have a home draw against Merry Monk Ballina and Killester are at home to the winners of next Saturday’s MDS Star/Shamrock Rovers Hoops game.
Gleneagle Lakers are enjoying a nice run in the SuperLeague and they won’t fear Ballina at home.
Ballina had mixed fortunes last weekend but Patrick Pope has added new pace to their game.
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