Two Munster and Leinster sides to clash in Men's Irish Senior Cup first round

Railway Union will begi their battle for a third successive AIG Irish Senior CUp title with a KO16 meeting with Ulster Elks. Pic: Adrian Boehm

The first-round draw for the World’s Oldest Club Hockey Cup - the AIG Irish Senior Cup - was announced on Wednesday ahead of the competition's return on Saturday, February 21 for the knockout-16 round.

In the Men’s AIG Irish Senior Cup, Lisnagarvey will begin the defence of their record-extending 27th AIG Irish Senior Cup title away from home in a repeat of last season’s final when they face YMCA.

South Antrim and Cookstown will meet in an all-Ulster clash, while Leinster sides Monkstown and UCD also meet in an in-province matchup.

Two Munster sides will face Leinster sides as Cork Harlequins host familiar foe Avoca, while Bandon make the trip to Dublin to face Pembroke Wanderers.

Two Ulster sides will also be on the road, with Instonians and Queen’s University set for away classes against Corinthian and Three Rock Rovers.

In the Women’s AIG Irish Senior Cup, reigning champions Railway Union host Ulster Elks in their first tie of the campaign.

UCC welcome Catholic Institute to the Mardyke for a Munster derby. Queen’s University Belfast & Pembroke Wanderers, and Portadown & UCD will meet in two topflight clashes in what are likely to be the toughest ties of the round.

Corinthian and Cork Harlequins will both look to cause major upsets when they face Pegasus and Old Alex, respectively.

Lurgan and Monkstown also meet in another thrilling tie, with the latter looking to replicate their historic 2019 title while Lisnagarvey host 2025 finalists Loreto at Comber Road.