Non-league sides offered 2,000 prize for FAI Cup success

Non-league clubs competing in this year's FAI Cup have been offered a carrot of a €2,000 prize fund in sponsorship funding if they outlast their counterparts in the competition.

Headline sponsor the Irish Daily Mail announced the news at the draw for the qualifying round – which will take place this weekend – last month at FAI HQ in Abbottstown.

The last-remaining non-league side, or sides, in the competition at the end of the season will be entitled to draw down the fund to use against the cost of new equipment.

"The non-league clubs work extremely hard all season to play top level football against the best teams in the country,” said Irish Daily Mail circulation manager David Vaz.

"We hope this bursary will help in some way towards the high costs of running an amateur club."

Friday night sees Crumlin side Bangor Celtic host Ballyfermot's Cherry Orchard in a Dublin derby while the other seven qualifying round games will take place on Saturday and Sunday.

The Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup Qualifying Round draw is as follows:

Greystones United v Sheriff YC

Ballymun United v Killester United

Killarney Celtic v Boyle Celtic

Edenderry Town v Cobh Wanderers

Bangor Celtic v Cherry Orchard

Everton v Liffey Wanderers

Evergreen v St. Marys College

Corinthians v Ballincollig