There is a distinct possibility that Leinster's top three clubs will reach the ultimate stages of the four-team All-Ireland Championship. Indeed, Glenanne and Pembroke Wanderers, the Irish Senior Cup winners in the past two campaigns, remain ultra competitive and should get through the quarter-finals of the league playoffs with something to spare.
Glenanne, the title holders, would have preferred the away tie against Annadale to have been played first but they have the capacity to build up a solid lead in the first leg at St Mark's tomorrow. This has been a particularly mobilising week for the captain Alan Browne who, incidentally, was happy to give up his skipper's armband in last weekend's "friendly" against Pembroke to Rory O'Donoghue, to mark what was probably the veteran centre-back's last senior league appearance.
Pembroke, having beaten Cookstown 4-0 in a cup game, will be expected to register goals both home and away but the Leinster champions may not establish too handsome a margin in Co Tyrone tomorrow as the defence must settle down without Colin Kelly. It is bracing, nonetheless, to have Allan Kershaw back after injury.
Leinster's third team, Corinthians, though making their debut at all-Ireland level, may well surprise Cork Harlequins through the vigour of their Tasmanian contingent. This pairing, however, is likely to be the most closely fought affair, as the Munstermen showed their qualities in being barely eliminated by Glenanne in the cup competition. Corinthians will need to go strongly on the offensive in the home leg this weekend.
As regards Cork C of I and Lisnagarvey, both have lost some lustre. C of I will be required to make a sturdy impact at Garryduff before facing the trip to Blaris next week.
In the unexpected eclipse of Lisnagarvey II in the Irish Junior Cup final last Saturday, it is worth putting on record that goalkeeper Stephen Doran, Simon Watchorn, Marcus Hunt and Ronan Gormley were particularly valuable figures in Pembroke II's triumph.
TOMORROW: All-Ireland Championship (quarter-finals, first leg) - Cookstown v Pembroke Wanderers, 2.30 (R Ewart, A Groves); Corinthians v Cork Harlequins, 2.0 (G Quail, K McGinley); Glenanne v Annadale, 2.0 (C Hutchinson, W McCully); Cork C of I v Lisnagarvey, 2.0 (C Porter, R McIntryre).
SUNDAY: Leinster Senior League Division One/Two relegation/promotion play-off - Dublin University v Portrane, Serpentine Avenue, 1.0; Junior Cup final - Bray II v Monkstown V, Serpentine Avenue, 3.0; Under-16 Cup final - Corinthians v YMCA, Serpentine Avenue, 5.0.
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