A new face in the 2013 RSA Senior Cup brings excitement and intrigue. Balbriggan have been knocking on the door for the last few years, winning the Senior 2 Cup last season. They will find themselves with a daunting task to kick off their cup campaign - a trip to the Vineyard to take on The Hills.
The Skerries side will themselves be disappointed after their 2012 cup campaign, perhaps feeling that they left their 'A' game at home after losing to Pembroke in the semi final. It will be another great day for Fingal cricket.
There is only one all Division 1 tie, and as with all Division 1 matches over the last few years, it is desperately hard to call. Leinster will host North County, with both sides fancying their chances - although isn't that always the way?
Phoenix travel to Clontarf, and with the league positions of the two teams having reversed over the last 12 months, Phoenix will be desperate to make sure that the Davids of Clontarf keep their slaying at home. Clontarf though are also in the odd position of being the reigning cup champions, so who takes this one is anyone's call.
Railway Union travel to Rush, while last year's losing finalists Pembroke host Terenure. The three other teams, Malahide, YMCA and Merrion all receive byes. The draw for the subsequent rounds can be heard on Fergus Carroll's show on NEAR 90.3fm before the final takes place is Castle Avenue, Clontarf on Saturday 27th July