FAI Cup First Round draw made

THE draw for the FAI Cup first round was made today at the FAI Headquarters in Abbotstown. The draw includes the top 16 sides from the FAI Intermediate Cup along with four sides from the Football Association of Ireland’s Junior Cup competition.

The tie of the round sees an all Dublin clash with Pete Mahon’s Malahide United squaring up with Drumcondra giants Tolka Rovers who have former Athlone Town and Bohemians midfielder Lee Dixon among their ranks. The sides met recently with Rovers coming out on top of a thrilling 4-3 affair.

Some of the other eye catching ties include another all Dublin Derby as Bluebell United, who knocked now Premier Division side Athlone Town out last season before narrowly losing out to Derry City in a replay. They play host to Phoenix who are accustomed to a cup run themselves in recent years.

Another massive game that came from the draw, which was concluded by Paul Osam and FAI president Paddy McCaul, pits the wits of non league giants Avondale United against their Cork neighbours Carrigaline United in a bout that will be eagerly anticipated in the peoples republic.  

Six sides have received byes into the second round, they are FAI Junior Cup holders Sherrif YC, Buncrana outfit Cockhill Celtic, Dublin sides Collinstown FC and St Mochtas with Limerick combatives Ballynanty Rovers and Cork’s Mayfield United also grabbing a direct entry to the second round.

The ties are to be played on the week ending April 27th. The winners will progress to the second round draw alongside the sides from the SSE Airtricity League.

Full Draw:

St Michael’s v St Francis

Malahide United v Tolka Rovers

Swilly Rovers v UCC

Belgrove/Home Farm v Drumcondra

Leixlip United v St Patrick’s CY

Avondale United v Carrigaline United

Bluebell United v Phoenix