Another of the big guns will fall in the women’s Irish Senior Cup as Loreto were drawn to play at Pegasus in the second round.
A repeat of a cracking recent IHL tie at Beaufort, Pegasus will aim to repeat their 3-2 win over the Dubliners in what is undoubtedly the tie of the round. The Belfast side have already accounted for Leinster champions Railway Union and could end the other of last year’s finalists retention bid on home turf.
Cork Harlequins must make their second trip of the season to Ards, having lost 3-0 there in the IHL, while Catholic Institute can look to UCC for pointers on how to negotiate a trek to Ballymoney, who beat the students 1-0 in round one.
Hermes make the short trip to Corinthian while Old Alex play Pembroke in two all-Leinster ties. 2009 winners UCD face a tester against Paddy Grimes’ Belfast Harlequins with Glenanne facing Lurgan in the other game with Leinster representation.
On the men’s side, there are plenty of evenly matched ties with YMCA’s credentials set for a major examination when they face Lisnagarvey.
There is the potential of the reigning Munster and Ulster champions meeting should Cork C of I get past the challenge of Kilkeel in that refixed tie. Cookstown await the winners.
Bandon will not be enthralled with yet another journey in national competition, but they may spy an opportunity in being drawn away to NICS outfit who have picked up just one win in six in Ulster this term.
Glenanne play Annadale in an all-IHL fixture; Fingal against Three Rock Rovers is the Dublin derby; Monkstown travel to improving Mossley while Weston have a serious task when they host Banbridge, and UCD travel to Shawsbridge to play Instonians.
ESB Women’s Irish Senior Cup, round two draw (January 22): Ards vs Cork Harlequins; Ballymoney vs Catholic Institute; Belfast Harlequins vs UCD; Corinthian vs Hermes; Pegasus vs Loreto; Ulster Elks vs Armagh; Glenanne vs Lurgan; Old Alex vs Pembroke Wanderers
Men’s Irish Senior Cup, round two draw (January 29): YMCA vs Lisnagarvey; Cork C of I/Kilkeel vs Cookstown; NICS vs Bandon; Weston vs Banbridge; Fingal vs Three Rock Rovers; Mossley vs Monkstown; Instonians vs UCD; Glenanne vs Annadale
