Derby may lack its usual fizz

The sides meet for the second time in eight days and for likely the final time this season, with a title on the line. C of I lead the way by a point, and this is Quins’ last game of the campaign.

But the usual bite might be missing from the fixture, as even if holders Quins can win for the first time against the blues this season, it could prove academic as C of I will still take the title if — as expected — they take at least three points from their two games in hand, home and away to Bandon.

Another two sides meeting for the second weekend in a row at Farmer’s Cross are the women of Quins and Catholic Institute, also with a title at stake. Quins hold a five-point lead at the summit but Insta have two games in hand and have put 10 goals past the Cork girls in two games.

UCC must double up this weekend as they meet UL in the league today before hosting Cork C of I in tomorrow’s Munster Senior Cup semi-final, both at the Mardyke.

It’s been quite a period of inactivity for College at what is usually a busy time of the season; they haven’t played since the 2-0 Irish Senior Cup quarter-final defeat to Ards on February 16.

UL will be dangerous opponents having successfully raided Garryduff in the IHT last week, and their last memory of the Mardyke is a 2-2 draw last season, a game notable for a controversial goal for the Limerick students.

Ashton’s women carry the Munster flag in the semi-finals of the Irish Junior Cup, and have the advantage of a home tie against Pembroke Wanderers.

Sinead White’s winner stunned a fancied Railway Union side in the last eight and Malcolm Coombes’ Ashton will again need to be economical with possession and chances to secure another famous victory.

SATURDAY: Men: Munster Div 1: Cork Harlequins v Cork C of I, Harlequin Park, 2pm; Cork C of I B v Bandon, Garryduff, 3pm. Women: Munster Div 1: Cork Harlequins v Catholic Institute, Harlequin Park, 12.30pm; UCC v UL, Mardyke, 1pm.

SUNDAY: Women’s Munster Senior Cup semi-final: UCC v Cork C of I, Mardyke, 12.30pm. Electric Ireland Irish Junior Cup semi-finals: Ashton v Pembroke Wanderers, Ashton School, 1.30pm; Lisnagarvey v Hermes, Comber Road, 3pm. Men’s Irish Junior Cup semi-finals: Monkstown v Annadale, Rathdown, 2.30pm; Cookstown v Banbridge, Coolnafranky, 3pm.