THE UNIVERSITY of Ulster came unstuck against a superior Cork RTC team as the first televised round of Challenging Times, the Irish Times/RTE quiz competition, commenced.
Now entering its sixth year, Challenging Times will celebrate its 100th programme during this series.
Cork RTC, represented by Ronan Cosgrove, Jeremy Kelleher, Mark Drinan and substitute Anthony Lane, pulled ahead in the early stages and were 45 points ahead with one third of the round gone. They quickly consolidated their position, moving 115 points ahead after the half-way stage; they eventually took the round by 230-70.
Hard luck to UU, represented by Neil Duffy, Patrick Quinn, Micheal O Maoldomhnaigh and sub Ronan Clarke, who fought valiantly but will have to put 1997's Challenging Times down to experience.
Cork RTC, beaten finalists in previous years, will be hoping that this year they will be the brides rather than the bridesmaids. Actually, strapping fellows one and all, they might prefer that analogy to be changed to "grooms" and "best men".
This week sees a potentially intriguing match between the forces of law and order, represented by the Garda Siochana College in Templemore, and the forces of arts and student radio, represented by Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. If the guards don't win, there'll be a rake of extra parking tickets handed out in Limerick, mark my words.
Challenging Times will be shown every Tuesday evening between now and April on RTE 1 at 8.30 p.m. It will also be repeated again on RTE 1 on Fridays at 11 a.m., so you have no excuse. It is presented, as ever, by the urbane and - dare we say it? - rather well preserved Kevin Myers.
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