The outcome of tomorrow's Nissan-sponsored Irish Senior Cup semi-finals may well depend on whether two international players, Mark Tumilty of Lisnagarvey and Chris Jackson of Annadale, will risk comebacks from injury and whether several key figures, with various strains, in the Three Rock Rovers and Cork C of I ranks, can last the pace.

Lisnagarvey, judging from their tame performance against Pembroke Wanderers, would welcome an injection of pace from Tumilty against Three Rock at Grange Road. This would give Daniel Clarke and Julian Stevenson more scope to plunder goals from the home defence. Yet, Rovers are capable of outflanking their visitors at the back if Robin Madeley and Garry Ringwood find the channels for Gordon Elliott and Liam Canning, if fully fit, to use their speed to advantage.

These two illustrious clubs have not met in recent times but it seems that both sides are determined to rise to the occasion and provide a vintage game, reminiscent of the swinging sixties. It is reckoned that Rovers need at least three goals to win.

Equally, plenty of momentum is expected at Garryduff. C of I played like cup winners in edging out Avoca, but the fact that Annadale eliminated the holders, Instonians, means that they will command the utmost respect from the Munstermen, especially if the accomplished Jackson were to figure in the starting line-up. Andrew McBride gives the side special buzz in midfield and David Smyth, the Ireland under-21 captain, is sure to be an inspiration in defence.

C of I, however, carry the greater firing power through Alastair Dunne and the Hanna brothers and provided that their limbs last out they will be expected to break through decisively or capitalise on short corners. Nigel Buttimer, as well as his back four, will surely have recovered from the 4-0 pounding suffered at the hands of hungry Harlequins which decided the Munster Premier League last Sunday. It was not to everyone's satisfaction, though, that this match went ahead at short notice. Harlequins will probably now meet Avoca or Glenanne in the all-Ireland championship playoffs. Corinthians must beat Avoca (now without Paul Derham) at Rathdown tomorrow to retain a hope of snatching third place in Leinster.

While there has been admirable progress in Leinster circles in recent years, it is important to remain abreast of the times. All clubs should be represented at the branch's development seminar in the Mount Herbert hotel on Sunday (11 a.m.-4 p.m.). Media relations may be one of the topics.