Holmes know-how gives C of I hope

CORK Church of Ireland will look to a clutch of youngsters to help in their bid to reclaim the men’s Irish Junior Cup when they welcome Mossley to Garryduff tomorrow (2pm).

C of I last claimed the trophy in 2009 when a sensational performance in the final saw them stun Pembroke Wanderers 5-1.

Most of that day’s protagonists have moved on, although then-skipper Mark Holmes will provide the backbone and experience, with Ireland U18 triallists Gary Wilkinson and Richard Sweetnam stepping into the breach.

Elsewhere, the first round draw has thrown up a derby, with Cork Harlequins slight favourites to overcome Bandon in west Cork, but UCC must hit the long road north to play Ulster outfit Kilkeel.

Further afield, champions Lisnagarvey have home advantage against Belfast Harlequins, while Annadale — four-time winners during the Naughties — host 2010 winners Monkstown.

The pick of the women’s ties in Munster is likely to be Ashton’s hosting of a lively Trinity side, with Cork C of I, pace-setters in Munster’s Division Two, hoping to make up for their first team’s Irish Trophy exit at the hands of Bandon last weekend when they host Lurgan.

Catholic Institute are another side riding high and can call on the Munster U16 brains trust of Clodagh Moloney and Eimear Ryan in their tough mission away to Old Alex.

Cork Harlequins, for whom former Irish international superstar Karen Bateman could be in line for an appearance, will hope to put a mixed league campaign behind them by successfully raiding Tallaght as they visit Glenanne.

UCC’s seconds, quarter-finalists in 2010, have been rebuilding their confidence since relegation to Munster’s third tier. Led by Ciara O’Connell and Jen O’Flynn’s co-captaincy, they have claimed five wins from seven in league action but their mettle will be severely tested in Dublin as they visit Corinthian.