Quins relishing Railway challenge

Fred Treacy

“We are confident of a strong performance, because a number of the team have been playing regularly with the firsts,” explained Deasy.

“Railway Union will be a tough proposition. They are in a similar position in the (Leinster) league to Pembroke Wanderers, whom we beat 2-1 in the last round,” he said.

Harlequins’ confidence is well founded.

Despite being short key players in the previous rounds, the side has shown great character and determination to overcome Bangor 3-2 and Annadale 6-2.

The victory over cup holders Annadale was probably Cork Harlequins’ most impressive display, although the manner of their comeback to defeat Pembroke Wanderers 2-1 in the quarter-finals was a clear indication of the will to win in the team.

While Cork Harlequins are confident about tomorrow’s clash at Harlequin Park (1pm), they would not want to underestimate Railway Union. Any team that can defeat Lisnagarvey 3-1 in the cup must be respected.

Harlequin Park will not be unfamiliar territory to Railway Union, as the two clubs meet on an annual basis for the George Fitch Memorial Cup, while Railway Union are also regular visitors to the Cork Harlequins’ hockey festival in September.

“The club has only ever won the competition once before, in 1999, so we feel it’s a great chance to try to emulate that achievement,” said Deasy.

While the main focus of attention will be on the Irish Junior Cup match at Harlequin Park, for Cork Church of Ireland and Bandon there is a Dawson Travel Munster Senior Cup semi-final at Bandon Grammar School tomorrow (2pm) to consider.

Holders C of I have been playing well and should carry too much for a Bandon side that slipped up badly two weeks ago when losing 1-0 to Waterford in the league.