In recent seasons, the Shamrocks have enjoyed some incredibly memorable State Cup clashes.

There was the Over 30s success over Baisley in the 2016 decider which achieved the double for Paddy Mc Carry and Sean Mc Mullan’s men. The following season the first team enjoyed a thrilling shoot out decision at the Met Oval over the Greeks and later that Spring, the Shamrocks Women overcame Rovers in the Ann Rapaglia Cup final to secure an unforgettable treble.

In a repeat of each of those clashes, the same opponents will be on the agenda for the same coaches this weekend.

Shamrocks Over 30s have been handed the tough proposition of welcoming Baisley to Randall’s Island on Sunday at 10am and must plan without injured top scorer Johnny Mc Geeney.

“The win last week put us back on track for this week,” said Mc Mullan. “It’s a big clash with the Long Island power house – the team are looking forward to it.”

At St Michaels, Paddy Geraghty will be aiming to repeat last week’s impressive win over Rovers when the team they beat in the decider two years ago arrive for a 1pm kick-off.

“We have a massive game on Sunday as it’s a State Cup quarter final and we are missing a good few regulars,” said Geraghty.

“But we will still have a strong squad out and expect that we’ll play well.”

In the closing game of the weekend, the first team has a tough trip to Met Oval for an 8pm kick-off against the Greeks.

“Our focus is on our bread and butter which is the league and we have a massive game Saturday 17th against NYAC,” said Grogan.

“This week though we look forward to a nice distraction against the Greeks in the State Cup. Of course we will try to win the game but we also have one eye on the NYAC game. I will try a few new ideas on Sunday in preparation for the NYAC game.”

Meanwhile, unbeaten Shamrocks 1960 will travel out to Flushing to take on NYC Afghanistan who are currently sixth in Metro 2 North after three wins and four losses.

“With a break in league games coming up it’s nice to have a cup game to keep us busy,” said O’Neill.

“I’m looking forward to the game against NY Afghanistan and hoping to continue our good run.”

The other Sunday game sees Shamrocks White make the trip to Bay Ridge for a Leif Ericson contest against high flying Celtic Aces (kick-off, 6pm).

“It’s going to be a close state quarter-final match up against a team we played well against in the last meeting,” said coach Keith Perez.

“We have grown and improved since then and a solid performance can lead to a victory for us.”

The opening Shamrocks game of the weekend takes place at Randalls Island 70 where the in-form reserves will play Doxa at 7pm.

“We see this as a very good opportunity to progress in the State Cup,” said Meola.

“We are in an excellent vein of form at the moment and will be hoping to build on recent performances. I sound like a broken record here, but there are no easy games. We need to play the way we know how from minute one.”