YOU can't beat Cork for Unbounded conviviality and the odd tale from a Kinsale raconteur. From this source comes the revelation that professional hockey existed long before the Rupert Murdoch rugby revolution when, in the late 1920s and 1930s, the men from Shannon Vale in Clonakilty got an extra shilling a week in their pay for playing the game after their week's work in the mill.

But such digression is extravagant, especially when space is needed to record Cork C of I's stirring 4-3 elimination of the holders Avoca in the second round of the Irish Senior Cup at Garryduff on Saturday.

While the totally fired-up performance of Ireland midfielder Alastair Dunne was the main factor in the home side's advance, there were indications that the team has sufficient resources to go all the way - perhaps even emulate the 1967-68-69 brigade (pause here for further reminiscing).

Looking ahead to the next stage of the World Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Dunne might well subdue the Koreans, Argentinians and New Zealanders. In addition to his weaving and Tuigamala-like charges on Saturday (and, ultimately, the reward of a hat trick), he had a valuable spearhead in Darren Hanna, sometimes even as a decoy runner, particularly when Dunne needed breathing space after the occasional big hit by Trevor Dagg, Avoca's most staunch defender.

Dunne also enjoyed encouraging support from Richard Dorman and Nigel Buttimer (undaunted by the international midfield opposition), while the defence has found its composure around Ger Burns, notably with Derek Hales settling as a resolute centre-back partner and Mark O'Sullivan getting down effectively to short corners.

Avoca may have been a trifle weary but they fought to the last second of the 100 minutes. Indeed, they were street-wise enough to lead 2-1 at half-time.

Burns had put C of I ahead from an intricately worked corner but Anton Scott equalised immediately when the ball was not cleared from O'Sullivan's pads and a diving connection by the industrious Enda Gallanagh yielded the visitors' second goal.

C of I became more assertive after the interval. A set-piece delivery by Dunne soon made it 2-2 as Avoca were largely pressed back but held out to bring an absorbing game into extra time.

Straight away, though, Dunne struck decisively, first breaking deeply and scoring with an angled shot and then converting a penalty when Neville Foott was taken down. Still, Gallanagh and Galahad Goulet combined with sufficient gusto to make the margin minimal and Robbie Ryan became a menacing figure in a closing offensive, with one shot hitting a post.

With Avoca out, Pembroke Wanderers and Three Rock Rovers will be Leinster's strongest contenders. Pembroke's 1-0 defeat of Instonians in Belfast was of special significance, with an inspired display by goalkeeper Nigel Handerson resulting in the removal of one of Ulster's most accomplished sides.

Henderson brought off particularly stunning saves from Paul Hollway and Paul Cooke and, along with Peter Young and Duncan McKeen, thwarted the home team at 15 short corners. Pembroke forced three in reply, from one of which, at the start of extra time, Stephen. Stewart hit the all-important goal.

More predictably, Corinthians and Railway Union made successful trips to Ulster, with Colin Stewart and Stephen Moulton notching hat tricks in the 3-1 and 3-0 wins at Portadown and Ballynahinch.