MENS HOCKEY: The good news for those sides without their international players last weekend is they are back for the Irish Senior Cup.
Glenanne, with Stephen Butler and Graham Shaw returning, would be favourites to advance to the quarter-finals even without their international edge. Kilkenny in Tallaght is something of a dream draw for the Dublin side.
When Cork C of I travel to Belfast to face Harlequins they will be thankful for the return of John Jermyn, goalkeeper Mark Ruddle, David Hobbs and Karl Burns. Jermyn's short corner expertise could be particularly valuable while Ruddle and Burns will add steel to the defence. The pace of the visitors should see them through but not without a fight from the Belfast side.
The only all-Dublin meeting, between Corinthians and Three Rock Rovers at Whitechurch Park, should favour Corinthians slightly. The neighbours always provide a feisty game although Corinthians' 3-3 result last week against a weakened Pembroke side will give them confidence.
YMCA have a tough home game against Lisnagarvey and would not be expected to survive, while Antrim's visit to Annadale is even less likely to result in a shock result.
Cork Harlequins also travel North to play Down at Comber. Again the Ulster side will make life difficult for a technically more proficient team. Former Irish goalkeeper Wesley Bateman and Richard Gash are injury concerns for the Cork side but Jason and Mark Black are both back from Irish duty.
Meanwhile, Robin Madeley has been appointed national development officer by the Irish Hockey Association. Madeley will spearhead plans to increase participation rates within the sport in Ireland, taking a strong school and club focus.
A former Irish international, Madeley has a strong blend of coaching experience and qualifications and commercial development experience. He has coached hockey at all levels in both club and school environments at Wesley College, Three Rock Rovers, Belfast Harlequins and Banbridge. He also has a strong commercial development background with Nike, where he managed in Britain. Madeley commences his new role in February.
FIXTURES: Saturday: Irish Senior Cup: North Down v Cork Harlequins, Comber, 2.30; YMCA v Lisnagarvey, Claremont Road, 2.30; Banbridge v Catholic Institute, Havelock Park, 2.30; Belfast Harlequins v Cork C of I, Deramore, 1pm; Kilkeel v Bandon, Kilkeel HS, 2.30; Annadale v Antrim, Lough Moss, 2.30; Corinthians v Three Rock Rovers, Whitechurch Park, 1pm; Glenanne v Kilkenny, Glenanne Park, 2.30. Leinster Senior League: Division 2 - Portrane/St B/PP v Naas, 12.15, DCU. Sunday: Leinster Senior Cup: Pembroke v Clontarf, Serpentine Ave, 3pm; Dublin Univ v Glenanne, Santry, 2pm; Bray v Corinthians, Bray, 1pm
