The third round of the Irish Senior Cup provides a rich variety of pairings tomorrow, especially in Dublin where three ties stand out - Glenanne v Instonians, Three Rock Rovers v Annadale and Corinthians v Catholic Institute. Instonians have felt vulnerable, but always survived, at Tallaght over the past few seasons. Now, with a wedding in the Lewis family likely to leave them short of five first-team players this weekend, the opportunity is ripe for Glenanne to advance.

Neil Cooke and Paul Hollway are among those bound to resist with typical forcefulness for the all-Ireland champions but the strongly-rooted Leinster League leaders will be determined to prevail on this occasion, with Alan Browne and Stephen Butler again playing leading roles.

Remarkably reaching the final in the past two seasons, Three Rock remain capable of upsetting all and sundry and Annadale will need the utmost concentration to avoid elimination at Grange Road. They were Rovers' victims in the semi-finals at Lough Moss in the 1997-98 campaign and while David Smyth and Chris Jackson now are considerably wiser, there is still the threat of Liam Canning plundering their circle.

Furthermore, even though Alan Bothwell (broken jaw) has been put out of action, Rick Johnson brings a mature hand to the Dubliners' defence.

Corinthians have been having a steady season, fortified by last Saturday's league defeat of Pembroke Wanderers, but for the visit of rejuvenated Catholic Institute they will be without their prolific striker Colin Stewart.

The Australian is committed to playing in a tournament in Zimbabwe. This will even out tomorrow's cup tie considerably, calling on Ivan Ovington to put everyone on full alert to contain the Limerick aces Robbie Ryan and Kevin Fleming. "We'll relish the challenge," says home team manager Dougie Miller.

Elsewhere, holders Cork C of I face a testing assignment at Newry where Errol Lutton and Ivan Steen will lead the resistance for Newry Olympic, but the Munstermen - even without the driving force of Ali Dunne - should still have the edge in attack with the adoption of Simon Kershaw adding to their potency.

Jason Milne may not have been registered in time to assist YMCA on their trip to Harlequins, who should make the most of bracing conditions unless they are foiled by Neil Quail. Belvedere, though also at home, will probably find that Avoca will not countenance another cup defeat in Cork.

Although Pembroke travel to Stormont without Duncan McKeen, it is unlikely that the young NICS side can take the scalp of one of the leading contenders. Similarly, Lisnagarvey should come through at Aer Lingus.

Monkstown, away to Cooks town, will miss their captain David Jenkins who is also involved in overseas fare in Harare with Colin Stewart. Both played in Zambabwe during the summer.