Defending champions Ballincollig get home advantage against UCD Marian in MSL National Cup

Defending champions Ballincollig are set to face UCD Marian in Cork for the first round of the Domino's MSL National Cup after the draw took place on Wednesday. Pic: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile.

Defending champions Ballincollig are set to face UCD Marian in Cork for the first round of the Domino's MSL National Cup after the draw took place on Wednesday.

Ballincollig player coach Ciaran O'Sullivan eyes UCD Marian ahead of their first-round encounter, as he believes the 'home-court advantage' will be crucial, with eight-time winners UCC Demons awaiting the victors in the next round.

"In a twelve-team league where anyone can win on a given night, we’re just grateful to have home-court advantage," said O'Sullivan.

"UCD Marian delivered a statement performance last weekend. Combining sharp coaching as always from Ioannis, explosive young talent, and excellent pros into a contender this season. They will be looking to build on their MSL National Cup semi-final appearance last season."

The 2024/25 MSL National Cup winners and six-time champions Killester will host Limerick Eagles in round one, who are entering the competition as Men's Division One and Domino's MD1 National Cup champions, with the winners to face EJ Sligo All-Stars.

Last season’s finalists Garvey’s Tralee Warriors will journey to Limerick Celtics, who won the MD1 National Cup in 2025, where the winner will face Griffith College Éanna.

St. Vincent’s have received a bye to the quarter-final, where they will face either Energywise Ireland Neptune or Belfast Star from the round one fixture.

Meanwhile defending champions and five-time winners Killester, have received a bye to the quarter-final of the Domino’s WSL National Cup, where they await the winners of Limerick Celtics and VSC Cavan Eagles.

“As defending champions, it's always nice getting a 'bye',” said Killester head coach Mark Grennell.

“It gives us that bit more time to be ready and hopefully get the longer term injured back. It will be a tough game away to either Limerick Celtics or VSC Cavan Eagles.”

Women’s Super League champions Trinity Meteors and last years WSL National Cup finalists FloMAX Liffey Celtics will repeat their WSL National Cup semi-final in the opening round, with Trinity Meteors getting home court advantage.

The winner of the tie will take on Keith Daly’s Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell.

SETU Waterford Wildcats and Utility Trust St. Paul’s will face-off in the final eight, with Career Decisions UCC Glanmire and Midlands Park Portlaoise Panthers set for a quarter-final in Cork.

Last year’s finalists Drogheda Wolves will make the short journey south to face Dublin Lions in the MD1 National Cup, and Flexachem KCYMS and Carrick Cruisers await the qualifiers from the Men’s Division Two preliminary cup.

Reigning WD1 champions Limerick Sport Huskies have received a bye to the quarter-final, where they will play the winners of Clunetech Kilkenny Stars and Moy Tolka Rovers.

Two Dublin derbies will unfold in round one, as Dublin Raiders face Abbey Seals Dublin Lions and Templeogue play Swords Thunder.