In the rawness of Belfield yesterday it was difficult to concentrate on the initial build-up of a squad to represent Ireland in the Bangladesh Ten-Nation tournament in March. Also coming up is the Celtic Cup in Belfast on June 15th-17th. John Clarke experimented totally with his preliminary panel as a 5-5 draw ensued in a practice match against a highly competitive Pembroke Wanderers-Cork C of I selection.
Uncapped players called up by Clarke included Karl Burns, Brian Waring, Paudie Carley and Paul Lombard and others as young as David Hobbs may yet be considered for a second session on February 3rd-4th before the party for Dhaka is formed.
It would be an innovative exercise perhaps if the Southern Hemisphere diaspora in Dublin were asked to form the opposition for Clarke's squad that weekend (when the under-21 interprovincials are also being staged).
Corinthians' seven overseas players were again to the fore on Saturday, though they were contained initially by Monkstown in the Leinster League game at Whitechurch Park, before the home team ran out 4-1 winners.
Indeed Monkstown played with admirable assurance for the opening 20 minutes and took the lead through David Jenkins.
David Johnston was having an inspired game in the visitors' defence but Corinthians equalised on the stroke of half-time when Dan Williams found an opening for his fellow industrious Australian Sean Clauson.
Further breakthroughs became inevitable in the second half, though it took the sharpest of touches by Olly Close to nick a long ball from Zimbabwean Mike McKillop out of Shane Davey's reach. A lob by Colin Stewart and an added-time short corner goal by Colin Ross made the final margin a trifle flattering.
Niall Denham returned unscathed from a skiing trip to resume his defensive duties for Three Rock Rovers, so his predecessor Angus Dunlop needed to wear only one cap - as coach of understrength YMCA who were satisfied to hold Rovers to a scoreless draw at Ballinteer.
Garry Ringwood was foiled by Greg Keeley of snatching a winner. Aer Lingus were a trifle fortunate to take full points from Railway Union in a 2-1 win in the relegation zone.
