‘Garvey trek in store for UCC

UCC’s men have been handed a baptism of fire as they return to the Irish Senior Cup with a first-round trip to play cup specialists Lisnagarvey in an October 8 glamour tie.

The students are back at the top level by virtue of their run to last season’s Irish Trophy final, but must again hit the road after completing most of that campaign away from home. Bandon are at home to UCD, while fellow Munster sides Cork Harlequins and Cork C of I were among those, including holders Cookstown, to receive a bye to round two. UCD’s women are also coming to Cork to play Harlequins, while UCC’s ladies will join the men’s side up north as they’ve been drawn away to Armagh. Catholic Institute have been given a bye to round two, though 2011 champions Pegasus are straight back into action with an away trip to Bray. Irish Senior Cup Rd 1 draw (ties to be played October 8) Men: Bandon v UCD; NICS v Corinthian; Railway Union v South Antrim; Belfast Harlequins v Kilkeel; Lisnagarvey v UCC; Instonians v North Down; Annadale v YMCA; Monkstown v Fingal; Pembroke Wanderers v Clontarf. Byes to Rd 2: Banbridge, Cork Harlequins, Cork C of I, Cookstown, Glenanne, Mossley, Three Rock Rovers. Women: Cork Harlequins v UCD; Lurgan v Ulster Elks; Bray v Pegasus; Ards vs Trinity; Lisnagarvey v Loreto; Queens University v Randalstown; Pembroke Wanderers v Old Alex; Armagh v UCC. Byes to Rd 2: Ballymoney, Belfast Harlequins, Portadown, Catholic Institute, Corinthian, Glenanne, Hermes, Railway Union,