Men's & ESB Electric Ireland Irish Senior Cup (M&W) Round 1

The Men's & ESB Electric Ireland's Irish Senior Cup is set to take centre stage this weekend (Saturday 8th October) across 17 venues, which means the top flight branch hockey will take a back seat for the moment.

Firstly to the men and this round throws up some interesting contests first out of the traps Pembroke Wanderers will take on Clontarf, Pembroke last won this title in 2009 but since then have seen a big change in the team line up but under Brendan Carolan they will no doubt be keen to progress far in this tournament. Monkstown will kick off their ISC campaign at 13.30 on home turf playing hosts to Fingal, Monkstown, last year's runners up, have faired excellently in this Cup making three of the last four finals but have only walked away with silver but keep an eye on this team it could be their year.

Elsewhere Corinthian under Lucas Piccioli will take to the road to face NICS while the students of UCC will make their way to the impressive grounds of Lisnagarvey for a 14.30 tip off. With plenty of other round 1 matches taking place 7 teams will enjoy a bye to round 2 including last year's winners Cookstown.

On to the women which throws up 8 fixtures. Late entry Three Rock Rovers (who took the place of Bray who dropped out of Leinster division 1) will have to take on the might of Pegasus, last year's winners, a big ask for the ladies of Three Rock Rovers. UCD students who have seen an influx of talent this year including internationals Anna O'Flanagan and Deirdre Duke are looking very strong as they head to Cork Harlequins at 13.30. Lurgan who have risen in the ranks recently and as a result qualified for the IHL this year will host their Ulster counterparts Ulster Elks at 14.30. Eight teams have been given byes including last year's runners ups Hermes.

All results will be press released and updated on the website www.hockey.ie