Tomorrow sees the launch of the Millennium Sigerson Cup in Croke Park as well as the first matches in the competition. This year sees Institute of Technology, Tralee, seeking their fourth successive title - a record unequalled since 1947 when UCD completed a four-in-a-row.

The holders will struggle to emulate this feat, as they have lost a number of important players from the recent successes. Noel Garvan, last year's Player of the Tournament, is still on board as are 1998 All-Ireland winner Padraig Joyce and Kerry defenders Tom O'Sullivan and Michael McCarthy.

Speaking of Kerry players, the competition also features the Munster club champions UCC. On each of the previous occasions provincial champions have taken part - UCD in 1974 and '75 and UCC in '72 - they won the Sigerson.

UCC have a slightly changed team for this competition Alan Quirke, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Micheal Cronin and Tom Stack aren't eligible, but Cork panellists Des McAuley, All Star Anthony Lynch and Donagh Wiseman are all available.

Lynch opted to play senior championship for his divisional side, Muskerry and so is not part of UCC's All-Ireland panel.

The college's opening match against Trinity takes place this day week when it will be televised by TG4.

Of tomorrow's matches, the pick is probably the meeting of Queen's and Sligo in Belfast. The home side lost in the semi-final last year to Garda College after being eight points up with just over 20 minutes left.

This year, they are again strong and can boast a full-forward line of Ulster medallists Diarmuid Marsden - an All Star - and Patrick McKeever plus Fermanagh's experienced Liam McBarron. Back again are Fermanagh's Tom Brewster and Tyrone's Cormac McAnallen.

Mark Crossan of Donegal at right corner back, Derry's Paul McFlynn at right half back, and centre forward Shane Mulholland from Down make their debuts for Ulster against Leinster in the Railway Cup semi-final at Casement Park on Sunday.