AIG Irish Senior Cup weekend serves up some mouthwatering ties

The cup competition brings together those clubs in both EYHL1 and EYHL2. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The men’s and women’s AIG Irish Senior Cups take centre stage this weekend across the country.

The competition brings together those clubs in both EYHL1 and EYHL2.

In the men’s competition both Harlequins and C of I face tough away trips to Dublin.

Quins face Glenanne who themselves are going through a transition phase this year as they dropped out of the top division. C of I play Monkstown who are chasing down a top four place in EYHL1 and will know they’ll have to be at their best to progress to the quarter finals.

The standout tie in the men’s competition sees two of the country’s top teams clash, as Banbridge face Three Rock Rovers.

With both sides having aspirations for silverware, this promises to be a thrilling and hard-fought encounter.

In the women’s competition UCC host UCD for the second time in three weeks. Last time out UCD won 2-0 in the Mardyke however UCC will be buoyed after a good performance last week away to Old Alex.

Harlequins face a daunting task of an away trip to the strongest side in the country right now in Loreto.

Meanwhile, Catholic Institute will face another long trip to the North, where they meet Belfast Harlequins.

Despite a dip in form recently, Institute will be hoping to find their rhythm in the cup, where they are expected to progress past a team they have traditionally been strong against.

In the Irish Hockey Trophy, past winners Cork Church of Ireland (C of I) will host Omagh at Garryduff at the quarter-final stage.

Under the leadership of coach Les Ruddock, C of I have shown significant improvement throughout the season, with in-form striker Christina Dring leading the charge. They’ll be looking to maintain their momentum and book their place in the semi-finals.

Fixtures Men’s AIG Irish Senior Cup: Avoca v YMCA, 2.30pm; Belfast Harlequins v Corinthians, 4pm; Cookstown v Pembroke Wanderers, 2.30pm; Glenanne v Cork Harlequins, 3pm; Instonians v Annadale, 1.15pm; Monkstown v Cork Church of Ireland, 1pm; Three Rock Rovers v Banbridge, 1pm; University College Dublin v Lisnagarvey, 3pm.

Men’s Irish Hockey Trophy: Clontarf v Portadown, 1pm; Portrane v Rathgar, 3pm; South Antrim v Railway Union, 2.45pm; Weston v Queens University, 3pm.

Women’s AIG Irish Senior Cup: Belfast Harlequins v Catholic Institute, 2.15pm; Corinthians v Portadown, 1.15pm; Loreto v Cork Harlequins, 1.15pm; Pegasus v Queens University, 4.15pm; Pembroke Wanderers v Monkstown, 2.30pm; Ulster Elks v Ards, 2.30pm; University College Cork v University College Dublin, 1pm.

Women’s Irish Hockey Trophy: Avoca v University of Galway, 12.30pm; Cork Church of Ireland v Omagh, 2pm; Glenanne v Trinity, 1pm; Portrane v Ballymoney, 1pm.

Women’s Munster Division 1 Cup semi-final: Ashton v Bandon, 12.30pm.