Holders Phoenix have been drawn away to 2002 winners Malahide in one of three all-Leinster clashes in the last 16 of the Irish Senior Cup.
Phoenix's triumph in 2024 earned them a bye into the second round, and will travel to The Village on Sunday June 8th after Graham Ford's side had a resounding win at Woodvale - centuries for Robbie Foulkes and Cormac McLoughlin-Gavin.
Phoenix captain Adam Chester gave his reaction to the draw.
“We are all excited to get started in this years Irish cup, I know the lads were following the scores last weekend with keen interest particularly that Donnemana run chase.
“ Malahide are a side we know well, they have plenty of talented cricketers and I was impressed with their first round win vs Woodvale so we will have to be at our best if we want to get progress into the quarter finals."
Donemana's reward for ousting six-times champions Waringstown is another away day, this time at two-times winners and last season's beaten finalists Merrion, who were the other side given a bye.
Pembroke, winners in 2019, showcased their depth by progressing even without the services of five senior internations- Cricket Ireland once again belittling their supposedly senior cup competition by not allowing any of the squad to feature. "Club Cricket, the heart of our game". My arse as Jim Royle would proclaim.
They have another opportunity to turn their noses up at the club game as the second round takes place four days before the start of the T20I series against West Indies. I wouldn't be too confident many, if indeed any will get the green light from Heinrich Malan and co.
Pembroke will be hoping one or two get time off for their clash with an Instonians side captained by an in-form Neil Rock at Sydney Parade.
In the other ties, Coleraine host five times winners North County, while 2022 victors CIYMS entertain Railway Union, who along with County and Malahide are the three teams to have won both the Irish Senior and National Cups.
The other two all-Leinster ties have Balbriggan at home to Leinster (winners in 2009 and 2023), while two times champions Clontarf entertain four-times National Cup winners Rush.
The final tie is an all-NCU affair, with 2022 finalists and current All-Ireland T20 champions Lisburn facing CSNI - winners of the inaugural competition back in 1982 when they were just North.
IRISH SENIOR CUP DRAW
- Balbriggan v Leinster
- Lisburn v CSNI
- Clontarf v Rush
- Pembroke v Instonians
- Merrion v Donemana
- Coleraine v North County
- Malahide v Phoenix
- CIYMS v Railway Union
Ties to be played Sunday June 8th (12.30pm).
