MEN'S HOCKEY: In view of the enthusiasm of the Munster Branch in hosting the ultimate stages of the All-Ireland Club Championship in the European capital of culture on the May Bank Holiday weekend, both Cork C of I and Harlequins are well aware of the importance of surviving the quarter-finals.
In their league decider at Garryduff tomorrow, Harlequins will be expected to gain at least the draw they need to earn the provincial title and a clash with Glenanne at national level, leaving C of I to take on the Ulster champions, Annadale.
Arguably, this would be the best scenario, for Harlequins - after their European experience in Vienna - should be better equipped to cope with Glenanne than when they lost to the Dubliners in the Irish Senior Cup.
Equally, C of I - judging from their admirable performance against Banbridge - may go close to matching Annadale, who have been so jinxed in knock-out fare.
As regards who will take the third Ulster berth in the All-Ireland quarter-finals (against Pembroke Wanderers), Lisnagarvey will be fancied to do so when they meet Instonians at Queen's tomorrow.
On the basis of their 3-2 victory in last Sunday's Senior Cup decider, Lisnagarvey appear to be the superior side but Instonians remain determined not to surrender both titles and the fact that a draw will see them through, allied to the defiance of goalkeeper Nigel Skillen, leaves the issue pretty open.
Meanwhile, leading figures in the Irish Hockey Association (IHA) have been continuing their launch of the new blueprint for the future of the game, getting more people "hooked", as well as aspiring to excellence, particularly on the international front.
Given the passionate, indeed rebellious nature of quite a few personalities, it will not be easy for chief executive Paul Varian or high-performance director David Passmore to achieve their objectives smoothly.
On the one hand, the IHA should be careful to avoid any perceptions of elitism, always being aware of grassroots feeling and club loyalties. The issue of international demands on club players already has become contentious but must be tackled if Ireland are to rise in the world rankings.
A guarded approach to corporate images may also be required to retain, as far as possible, an ethos of amateurism and sociability. Overall, though, players at all levels need to give greater support to their game, especially in attending representative and international events. Hockey can thrive on atmosphere.
TOMORROW: Munster League: Division One: Cork C of I v Cork Harlequins, Garryduff, 2.0. Ulster Premier League: Instonians v Lisnagarvey, Queen's, Upper Malone, 12.0
SUNDAY: Leinster Cup finals (all at Serpentine Avenue): Neville Davin Cup: Weston v Portrane, 12.0; Junior Cup: Weston v St Brendan's-Phoenix Park, 2.0; Minor Cup: Naas v Glenanne, 4.0.
