Dundalk taking on Shamrock Rovers is just one of a host of mouth watering cup ties, as the 2023 Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup Draw was made earlier this afternoon.
The two most successful sides in the history of the competition will lock horns at Oriel Park, just one of plenty eye-catching ties from the first round of the competition.
A Dublin derby will pit Bohemians taking on last year’s beaten finalists Shelbourne at Dalymount Park, a Munster Derby on Shannonside has Treaty United against Cork City, Drogheda meet Sligo Rovers, the third all Premier Division tie.
Newcomers to the First Division Kerry FC have a home tie with Cork side Ringmahon Rangers, another meeting of Kerry v Cork in the Irish sporting Landscape, holders Derry City also host First Division competition as they meet Athlone at the Brandywell.
Longford against St Patrick’s Athletic and UCD welcoming Cobh to the Bowl, are the only other ties involving Premier or First Division opposition meeting in Round 1.
Of the 12 non-league teams putting their name into the hat this season, six will face each-other in the hopes of first round progression, Portlaoise take on Skerries Town, Lucan United meet St Patrick’s CY and Gorey Rangers take on Intermediate Cup winners Rockmount.
While Ringmahon head to Kerry, it’s a big home and away trip for plenty other of the non-league sides, high flying First Division leaders Galway United welcome Bangor Celtic to Eamonn Deacy, Bray head to Donegal to meet Cockhill Celtic, Kilbarrack United welcome Finn Harps, Wexford host Avondale United and Tipperary side St Michael’s AFC have a tough home Munster Derby with Waterford FC.
The ties in the men’s first round will be played the week ending Sunday July 23rd.
2023 Sports Direct FAI Cup First Round Draw:
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 CY
Gorey Rangers v Rockmount
Derry City v Athlone Town
Kilbarrack United v Finn Harps
Wexford FC v Avondale United
St Michael’s AFC v Waterford FC
Longford Town v St Patrick’s Athletic
UCD v Cobh Ramblers
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.