UCC seek to end Munster cup famine

Such has been the extent of the domination of the Irish Senior Cup by teams from Leinster and Ulster that the last time the trophy was held aloft by a Munster side the players were kitted out in heavy tunics, long-sleeved shirts, neck ties and long, woollen stockings supported by suspender belts. The year was 1934 and the team was Cork Ladies. Sixty-four years on, the players of UCC, who have reached the semi-final of the Sharwoods-sponsored competition for the first time in the college's history, are dreaming of bringing the trophy back south. Standing between them and a place in next month's final are Old Alexandra, who they play tomorrow afternoon on home ground at the Mardyke.

Of the four remaining teams in the competition (Pegasus and Randalstown meet in the second semi-final in Belfast) the Cork students are very much the outsiders, but they have carried the underdog tag into every round so far and, on each occasion, came from behind to beat Railway Union (at home) and Portadown and Collegians away.

UCC coach Alan Dobson must plan without the team's talented young sweeper Jayne O'Brien, who broke a bone in her hand last Sunday. Irish international Michelle O'Sullivan may be switched from her midfield position to replace O'Brien at the back.

Alex's leading goalscorer Trish Conway is hoping it will be fourth time lucky for her after losing three previous semi-finals to Loreto, Pegasus and Hermes.

"We're due a final. A lot of our players haven't experienced any success because it's been about five years since the club was in the big time and really successful."

Tomorrow's second semi-final could prove to be Jackie McWilliams' last attempt at reaching an Irish Senior cup final. The 33-year-old Randalstown midfielder, who won 98 caps for Britain and Ireland, reversed her decision to retire last season and inspired the Antrim club to league success, but she will have to be at her brilliant best if they are to overcome a Pegasus side that beat them 4-1 in the league last week.

The teams last met in the cup three seasons ago when a Nadine Long goal gave Pegasus victory.