“It seems strange that despite being 9-0, no one appears to be giving us a chance. We realise that we are underdogs and haven't a great Cup record. But winning quarter-finals is something Star has done plenty of times before - it's the final that always gave us problems! We also know we are playing well and this team has shown that they can find a way to win in difficult circumstances."

Demons are seven-times Cup champions and have already eliminated defending champions Maree, but they come in Sunday on the back of a three-game losing Super League run. Head coach Daniel O’Mahony is looking for a turnaround in fortunes. “The beauty of the Cup is league records go out the window. I think everyone is aware of the injuries we have and have had the last few weeks, resulting in a poor run of form. But this group are winners and I know we will bring everything to the table come Sunday against a very talented Belfast Star.”

2022 double winners Garvey’s Tralee Warriors host last year's semi-finalists Bright St. Vincent’s. Warriors head coach John Dowling is targetting another Cup run. “When you taste success in a cup final, your only goal is to get back there. So for us to move one step closer is the most important thing this week. After being on the road for three weeks, we’re looking forward to getting back to defend the complex, in front of a packed home crowd against a very dangerous St. Vincent’s side."

Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig @MTU visit last season's President's Cup winners Ulster University. Ballincollig player/coach Ciarán O’Sullivan said: “I don't think either team are performing as well as they would like to in recent league games, but sometimes a cup game can change the energy and dynamic in a team very quickly. The talent in the Ulster University squad is impressive, and we will have to prepare and perform as best we can to reach the semi-final stage.”

Energywise Ireland Neptune have home advantage against Killester, with Neptune coach Paul Kelleher seeking a more complete performance from his roster. 

“Killester have been a tough ask for anyone this season. They control the pace of the game, played so measured and can score in multiple of ways. A formidable outfit for sure. We’ve had our own moments the last few games, but if we are to overcome Killester, we can’t have moments, we will have to have a full performance and I’m looking forward to seeing if we can do that.”

There's a repeat of last year's Paudie O’Connor National Cup final when champions Killester face Trinity Meteors at IWA on Saturday. But Killester  coach Mark Grennell believes the teams “couldn’t be much more different” 10 months on.

"We’ve only two of our core eight who returned or are available for this game. They are in a similar position. We have watched a few of their games in the build-up and they have players who will cause us issues. We’ve to make sure we cause them more issues."

Super League leaders Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell are away at DCU Mercy with head coach Liam Culloty expecting “a massive challenge”.

“They have some potent offensive players who will be difficult to stop. We came through a very tough game with Liffey Celtics on Sunday, so we will take great confidence from that game into this Cup quarter-final.” 

SETU Waterford Wildcats host FloMAX Liffey Celtics, who had their unbeaten start to the season snapped by Brunell last weekend.

Wildcats head coach Tommy O’Mahony expects "a tough task". "Their record this year speaks for itself. We understand what is ahead of us and know that we cannot switch off for one second, or we will be punished, we had a great win last weekend and hope to build on that.” 

Catalyst Fr. Mathews head coach Pat Price says his team “need a very good performance to advance” past Ulster University, who they meet at the Fr. Mathews Arena.