Peter Darley and Jimmy Kirkwood, two of the principal personalities in the 1996 Irish Senior Cup final, might not have expected to come charging up against each other again.
But Darley, captain of the Avoca side which won the trophy for the first time in that epic decider, now gives Corinthians the benefit of his international experience in goal while the 130-times capped attacker Kirkwood, having earned his 10th medal in Lisnagarvey's eighth capture of the cup in 10 years in beating Pembroke Wanderers last spring, has come out of early-season retirement and is set to play in tomorrow's second-round tie at Whitechurch Park.
The Corinthians-Lisnagarvey pairing, if rivalled for attention by the all-Munster derby involving Harlequins and Cork C of I, is one of an unprecedented number of 11 matches bringing Leinster and Ulster clubs into opposition in the Nissan-sponsored competition.
Of the five Dublin teams at home, Corinthians would not attract the strongest odds to survive. Yet, they have hyped themselves up for the occasion and with Darley's direction from the back allied to the cutting edge of their Australian trio, Paul Armitage, James Benson and Colin Stewart, they may well trouble the trophy holders.
Lisnagarvey will miss under-21 international Brian Waring because of exam commitments while Robbie Taylor is still serving a suspension but Raymond Geddis and Alan Dowd as well as Kirkwood, Daniel Clarke, Julian Stevenson and Mark Tumilty still carry a huge depth of resources. They may take a while to adapt to the surroundings, calling particularly on Clarke and Tumilty to make up possible early arrears.
Elsewhere in Dublin, Pembroke will no doubt generate sufficient rhythm to overcome Mossley at Serpentine Avenue while the same can be expected of Three Rock Rovers against NICS at Grange Road. Railway Union, though, will find Bangor difficult to shake off at Park Avenue while Monkstown, having experienced surprise reverses against Ulster opposition in recent seasons, must have some respect for Down at Rathdown School.
The most interesting game in Ulster involves Glenanne's excursion to Raphoe. Rated as one of Leinster's most battle-hardened sides, Glenanne are still going to need much resolve on the grit surface if they are to come through against the sturdy Donegal team, ranging from the unflinching David Buchanan in goal to the quick-firing Jonathan Lecky in attack.
Across the Border, Cookstown's tradition should provide enough momentum against Aer Lingus while Banbridge look too strong for Trinity. Instonians, though, will need to be wary of UCD's unbounded spirit and ability to strike on the break. Also, there may not be much in the difference in the RUC-Suttonians and Parkview-Portrane ties.
Cork fans are relishing the Harlequin Park contest, yet it would be extremely ironic if C of I were to be without Alastair Dunne. Last year the international midfielder, having inspired the defeat of Avoca, broke a finger in training and missed the subsequent match in which his side was eliminated by Belvedere. Now, with Avoca again conquered, Dunne has twisted an ankle in a work-out and is doubtful for the Harlequins game. If he were unable to take a full part, the home side might well edge through. Yet, even without Dunne, the outcome could depend on how many opportunities can be set up for Colin Hanna to test Wesley Bateman's reflexes.
On the subject of reflex action, Avoca, representing Dublin, may find themselves a shade out of touch in the inter-cities indoor tournament at the Kelvin Hall, Glasgow, this weekend. However, With a total performance in Pool B, they possibly can harry Toronto and Edinburgh for a place in the semi-finals along with the master side, Vienna. The other group is made up of New York, Prague, Swansea and a home selection.
