Institute to host Genesis in last four

Catholic Institute’s reward for their thrilling golden-goal win over Three Rock Ladies in the women’s ESB Irish Trophy is a home semi-final against Leinster outfit Genesis. The Rosbrien girls will be pleased not to have to travel for the March 7 tie, but will also be happy to have avoided a star-studded Ulster Elks side, who were 6-0 winners over Ashton in the last eight. The Elks host Cookstown in the other semi-final.

Institute are also carrying Munster’s hopes in the men’s competition, and are the last non-Ulster team left. But they must hit the road to take on North Down, with NICS meeting Antrim. The draw for the men’s Irish Junior Cup quarter-finals was also made today, but Cork C of I – who are flying the flag for Munster hockey after impressive wins over Annadale, Cork Harlequins and Weston – must wait to find out if they have to travel to Glenanne or Bangor in the last eight. There are two all-Leinster ties elsewhere in the draw, with Pembroke hosting Corinthians and YMCA welcoming Monkstown, meaning the eastern province is guaranteed two semi-final spots at a minimum. Cookstown lock horns with Raphoe in the remaining fixture. The draw for the women’s competition sees Cork Harlequins rewarded with home advantage after their stunning 2-1 defeat of Pegasus in Belfast, but the quality of opposition remains high as it is Hermes who visit Farmer’s Cross. Cork C of I will also be at home but must wait to see whether they will meet Trinity or Loreto, while UCC will also be on familiar turf at the Mardyke against Armagh – if they can see off last season’s finalists Railway Union this weekend. Galway welcome Old Alex to Dangan in the other quarter-final. ESB Women’s Irish Hockey Trophy: Semi Finals (Saturday, March 7) Ulster Elks v Cookstown; Catholic Institute v Genesis Men’s Irish Hockey Trophy: Semi Finals (Saturday, March 7) North Down v Catholic Institute; NICS v Antrim ESB Women’s Irish Junior Cup: Round 3 (Saturday, February 28) Cork Harlequins v Hermes; Cork C of I v Loreto/Trinity; UCC/Railway Union v Armagh; Galway v Old Alex. Men’s Irish Junior Cup: Round 3 (Saturday, February 28) Pembroke Wanderers v Corinthian; Glenanne/Bangor vs Cork C of I; YMCA vs Monkstown; Cookstown vs Raphoe.