Saints out to take an Inch

THE FAI Cup first round draw has thrown up the battle of Inchicore as the big guns were kept apart.

Holders Cork City (above) will make the trip to face former league club Home Farm, Premier Division leaders Dundalk are home to First Division Cobh Ramblers and Cup kings Shamrock Rovers – now 31 years without lifting the trophy – are away to Drogheda United.

A dozen non-league clubs made it this far and at least two will make it to the second round as there are a couple of non-league match-ups – and the clash of Dublin Bus and CIE Ranch should be an interesting one for obvious reasons.

But the highlight of the draw made at the Aviva Stadium was when St Patrick’s Athletic were paired with Inchicore Athletic – a local derby if ever there was one.

FAI CUP 1ST ROUND: Drogheda United v Shamrock Rovers, UCD v

Pike Rovers, Blarney United v Derry City, Shelbourne v Athlone Town, Newmarket Celtic v Cabinteely, Cockhill Celtic v Limerick, Dundalk v Cobh Ramblers, Bray Wanderers v

Finn Harps, Skerries Town v Waterford, Sligo Rovers v Longford Town, Maynooth University Town v Leeds, North End United v Galway United, Home Farm v Cork City, Wexford v Bohemians, Inchicore Athletic v St Pat’s, Dublin Bus v CIE Ranch.