As a result of last weekend's European competitions - in which Pembroke Wanderers gained promotion for Ireland's representatives in next year's Cup Winners Cup while Lisnagarvey lost a place in the elite division of the Champions Cup - Instonians probably would prefer to carry off the Irish Senior Cup tomorrow week rather than the All-Ireland league laurels on May 2nd-4th.
While Instonians rank as favourites to beat Three Rock Rovers in the cup final, there is the irony that Rovers would still go into A division action in Europe if Instonians maintained full momentum to win the league play-offs, as well, against Pembroke and Cork C of I. This is because the Champions Cup is rated as the more prestigious competition.
So it could be said that Three Rock, whose second XI contest the Irish Junior Cup final against Annadale II in Banbridge tomorrow, may have nothing to lose in a week's time. Yet there is much proud tradition to be maintained - not least that among the club's innumerable successes, both trophies were won 100 years ago.
Rovers II, led by Kevin Empey with accomplished cohorts in Stephen Walker, William Haughton and Robert Haughton, may well have the guile to bring off the first leg of emulating the teams of 1898. But Annadale II, following the defeat of their senior side by Three Rock, are bound to provide gritty opposition, with a major threat coming from Peter Bland (capped by Ulster this season).
Meanwhile, Cork C of I - Munster champions for the seventh successive season - complete the formality of their two remaining domestic fixtures, away to Harlequins and Waterford.
Pembroke can rest before building for their all-Ireland challenge, hoping particularly that they can play with more verve against Instonians than they did in the cup semi-final. As regards their achievement in Rome in holding their nerve against Lazio and Gordonians, club administrator Peter Murphy described it as "Russian roulette" in the tense three-team pool B. "Simon Kershaw scored a brilliant equaliser against the Italians and, bless his cotton socks, Paudie Carley didn't blow it in converting the vital penalty stroke against the Scots." Nigel Henderson, not surprisingly was voted goalkeeper of the tournament while Duncan McKeen and Colin Kelly also excelled in the defence.
Another buoyant Irish brigade to return from abroad this week were St Andrew's College, who won four of their five matches in South Africa, notably in beating the SA schools' champions, Pinelands, and finishing with a 51 defeat of Eastern Province under-18s.
The Eastern Province coach Wayne Marsden said: "We have played against top schools sides from Britain and Europe and I have never seen such a talented school or youth team as St Andrew's."
