Cork C of I aiming to reverse 1974 result

Both teams in the Irish Senior Cup final at Belfield tomorrow (2.30) have had humbling experiences recently. Three Rock Rovers found the pace too hectic in European circles in Amsterdam, finishing with one win and three defeats (and a goal imbalance of 3-17) while Cork C of I lost the Munster title in a 4-0 drubbing by Harlequins and experienced a 3-0 first-half collapse at the hands of Lisnagarvey in the second leg of their All-Ireland Championship quarter-final tie.

Equally, however, both sides have the talent to make this an exhilarating, finely-matched final. It will be a matter of showing true potential, especially in C of I's case as Nigel Buttimer holds the helm, vigorously supported by Alastair Dunne, in a bid to bridge the 30-year gap since the club last won the trophy. It would be fitting if a decisive goal were to be smashed home by one of the Hanna brothers, from a long pass out of defence by Ger Burns in his quest to crown his career with a cup medal.

For Rovers, too, there are special targets. Liam Canning deserves a medal as much as his fellow former international Burns, perhaps putting away a winner as Derek Hennessy did at Londonbridge Road 25 years ago when Three Rock beat C of I, 2-1, in the last all-southern decider.

Since then, Three Rock have also had the experience of appearing in last season's final when they lost 3-2 to Instonians, succumbing only in the dying stages after leading 2-1. Again they have made a surprise advance to the ultimate hurdle of the Nissan-sponsored competition, not least in edging out Lisnagarvey.

This time, Robin Madeley can count on Angus Dunlop's unerring stopping at right-back as the Ireland cricket captain remains available to the end whereas he missed last year's final. But whether the Rovers defence can hold out as C of I come pounding through the middle will be a major factor.

Noel Dagg, captain of the Three Rock team which won the trophy six decades ago will be among the most enthusiastic spectators along with several of his contemporaries from the 1939 side while, no doubt, Jack Hanna will spearhead the contingent of supporters from C of I's triumphant three-in-a-row brigade of the 1967-68-69 era. Modestly leading the Munster invasion along with John Dennis will be the multi-hatted branch president Fred Treacy, hoping that another success can be achieved in the province's centenary season. Harlequins are also in the running to add to the honours list but Pembroke Wanderers are aiming to be among their strongest rivals for the All-Ireland League title by completing their quarter-final advance against Annadale at Serpentine Avenue tomorrow (11.0).

Three Rock Rovers (squad): S Davey, A O'Neill; A Dunlop, A Bothwell, R Harris, A Walker, J Sleeman, R Madeley (capt), G Ringwood, R Varian, S Bredin, L Canning, G Elliott, C Judd, C Carroll, R Tilson. Coach: H de Jong.

Cork C of I (squad): W Bateman, M O'Sullivan; K Burns, G Burns, D Hales, A Chambers, R Dorman, N Buttimer (capt), A Dunne, M Black, N Welch, C Hanna, D Hanna, N Foott, J Hobbs, D Hobbs. Coach: S Jackson.

Umpires: R O'Connor, C Hutchinson.