IT SEEMS a pity that the finalists in the showcase of Leinster cup hockey, the Senior Cup final, could not be spared the ordeal of having to play league matches 24 hours before they meet at Grange Road on Sunday but such is the task that faces Muckross and Hermes this weekend.
Victory over Trinity at Belfield tomorrow - and anything less than a win for Loreto against Hermes at the same venue - would see Muckross take a giant step towards retaining their league title while on Sunday Hermes stand between them and a successful defence of the cup.
With a formidable array of attacking talent on display it could prove to be a busy afternoon for goalkeepers Tara Browne (Hermes) and Sandra O'Gorman (Muckross), both of whom have been in outstanding form this season.
With O'Gorman unavailable for August's World Cup qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe (although she insists that she will be available for selection next season) Browne is regarded by many as the best "available" goalkeeper in the country. She is currently second choice behind Portadown's Alison Vance but is determined to prove to Irish coach Terry Gregg that she should be first choice in Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, Loreto, just three points behind Muckross at the top, will hope that Hermes' minds are firmly on Sunday's cup final when they meet in the league at Belfield tomorrow. Although the date has yet to be confirmed it is now certain than Loreto and Muckross will meet in the final league fixture of the season. It, could prove to be the mother of all showdowns.
