Cork rivals meet in opener

Basketball: National Cup You had to be there to believe it. Last year's men's National Cup final at the National Arena in Tallaght truly was a sight to behold. Even the cynics had to applaud.

In Cork basketball's version of the Old Firm, the UCC Demons won in over-time against Neptune but what really made it worth being present was the influence of the native players in the nail-biting finale, Shane Coughlan being particularly to the fore.

The draw for this weekend's opening round of the cup was made two weeks ago at half-time in the corresponding league fixture. Lo and behold, who came out of the hat only the two rivals once more. They will meet tonight with Neptune the narrow favourites after prevailing in that recent Superleague clash.

However, the Demons turned a significant corner last week when they beat the previously untouchable Tralee Tigers but with point guard David Murphy injured, Pat Price's men will be up against it.

The derby theme continues in Dublin with unbeaten Killester hosting the only team who can't even buy a win: Shamrock Rovers Hoops, at the IWA.

Maybe Rovers can call on the ghosts of their four previous cup triumphs for inspiration. Killester's Damien Moberly is still nursing a bruised foot but is expected to play some part.

The stadium also hosts the Killester woman's team who launch their campaign against the Waterford Wildcats immediately before the men's encounter.

Ballina will be keen to end their three-game losing streak and rediscover last year's cup form, when they reached the semi-finals, but they have a huge challenge against the Tigers down in Tralee tomorrow.

As usual, the Mayo club's dual star Ronan McGarrity has a busy weekend schedule as his GAA club, Ballina Stephenites, play Roscommon Gaels on Sunday in the Connacht club football championship semi-final.

Also on Saturday, UCD face Limerick, while Star of the Sea welcome the Killarney Lakers, and on Sunday Waterford travel to Dublin to face St Vincent's.

FIXTURES: MEN'S NATIONAL CUP: Today: UCC Demons v Neptune, Mardyke Arena, 8.15. Tomorrow: Star of the Sea v Killarney Lakers, UU Jordanstown, 7.15; UCD v Limerick, Belfield SC, 7.15; Killester v Shamrock Rovers Hoops, IWA, 8.00; Tralee Tigers v Ballina, Tralee SC, 8.00. Sunday: St Vincent's v Waterford, St Vincent's CBS, 3.15.

WOMEN'S NATIONAL CUP: Tomorrow: Killester v Waterford Wildcats, IWA, 6.0; Firhouse Notre Dame v Drimnagh, Old Bawn, 6.0; Portlaoise Pacers v Castleisland, St Mary's, 6.30; Meteors v Sligo All Stars, Naomh Olafs, 6.45. Sunday: Mercy Coolock v Longford Falcons, Mercy Coolock, 2.0.