Perhaps the main attraction here in Ireland to many will be the clash of The Rovers.

The FAI Ford Cup game between Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers in Tolka Park will gain most of the media interest, but I must admit that I feel the City of Cork will host some of the most interesting ties.

A couple of weeks ago I thought Cobh Ramblers had a straightforward proposition in their visit to Sporting Fingal. However, the failure to score goals and the subsequent lack of confidence could make things a little more precarious. 

At the same time most people would suggest that Douglas Hall may also have great difficulty scoring against present eircom League champions Drogheda United in Turner’s Cross. Again I feel this may not necessarily be the case. Drogheda are having an uneasy time and with some unsettled players in the United dressing room it would be very interesting if Douglas Hall kept the game scoreless for an hour or so.

Come Saturday and St Mary’s have not got an easy task against Wayside Celtic.

Cup team

Celtic are a redoubtable cup team and it is important Mary’s make their home advantage count against the experienced team from the very edge of the Dublin Mountains.  Sunday brings what I feel are potentially two terrific games. Everton Park hosts a game at 12 noon that can go either way. Carrick United possess a good cup pedigree but will not be in any way over-confident as they travel across Munster on Sunday morning.

I watched Bray Wanderer’s last week in UCD. I was not particularly impressed with The Seagulls on the night. They scored two goals from corner kicks and while they were unlucky not to win, they did not really trouble the Students from open play. Again, if Rockmount could keep the game scoreless for a while or even get their nose in front, there could be a surprise in store. I know Bray will travel with some trepidation because it’s Cork and its Rockmount Park.