FAI Cup draw serves up tasty ties

HOLDERS Cork City will begin their defence of the FAI Cup with a trip to Leinster Senior League side Home Farm, WRITES RYAN CORRY.

Last year’s beaten finalists Dundalk will host First Division outfit Cobh Ramblers, Bray Wanderers will welcome Finn Harps to the Carlisle Grounds, and Sligo Rovers will be at home to Longford Town.

Shamrock Rovers were drawn by their own U-15 coach Damien Duff which presented them with the short journey to take on Drogheda United.

Inchicore Athletic versus St Patrick’s Athletic was the pick of the ties as it provides the former with a chance to get one over on their local rivals.

Limerick and Derry City will be cursing their luck as the draw set them up for long cup journeys.

Tommy Barrett’s struggling side take on Cockhill Celtic from Buncrana with the Candystripes going in the opposite direction to take on Blarney United.

The final two balls left provided plenty of fun for all in attendance as Dublin Bus and CIE Ranch were drawn together in what some have already dubbed the ‘Public Transport Derby’.

There are three junior sides in the first round, namely Pike Rovers (Limerick), Newmarket Celtic (Clare) and North End United (Wexford).

Newmarket Celtic and North End United will host Cabinteely and Galway United respectively, while Pike Rovers will travel to take on UCD.

The games will be played on the week ending August 12th.

FULL DRAW IN FACTFILE