FAI Cup draw: Shamrock Rovers to meet Dundalk in first…

FAI Cup draw: Shamrock Rovers to meet Dundalk in first round

Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk, the two most successful clubs in the history of the FAI Cup, will meet each other in the first round of this year’s FAI Cup.

It is the stand-out tie of the opening round, although the Dublin derby between Bohs and Shels, is another fascinating encounter. A third all-Premier Division tie sees Drogheda, the 2005 winners, take on Sligo Rovers, who last won the Cup in 2013.

Potential upsets include a repeat of the 2003 final, with First Division Longford Town drawn to play St Patrick’s Athletic, at home. Holders Derry City meet Athlone Town at the Brandywell. The games will be played on the week ending Sunday July 23.

Meanwhile the clash of Treaty United and two-times winners, Peamount United, is the pick of the the First round ties in the Women’s FAI Cup.

With Shelbourne, the defending champions, receiving a bye into the quarter-finals, the fate of the league’s current top two, Peamount and Shamrock Rovers, was the main focus of attention this morning. Rovers ended up getting a home draw against non-league side, Killester Donnycarney.

Other David versus Goliath ties include Bonagee United’s tie away to Sligo and Terenure Rangers’ home tie against Cork City.

Following the draw Ruth Comerford, Terenure Rangers’ player, said: “The fact we have the home draw, we are going to be right at it. The underdogs are the ones to look out for.”

Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup

Galway United V Bangor Celtic

Dundalk V Shamrock Rovers

Bohemians V Shelbourne

Portlaoise V Skerries Town

Kerry FC V Ringmahon Rangers

Treaty United V Cork City

Drogheda United V Sligo Rovers

Cockhill Celtic V Bray Wanderers

Lucan United V St Patrick’s CYFC

Gorey Rangers V Rockmount

Derry City V Athlone Town