Dundalk FC drawn to play Shamrock Rovers in the FAI Cup

The draws for the First Round of the Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup was made today at the FAI National Training Centre.

Dundalk FC were handed a tough draw to begin their bid for a first cup triumph since 2020. They will host Shamrock Rovers at Oriel Park on the week ending Sunday, July 23rd.

The Lilywhites have already lost their two league meetings against them this season. The Hoops coasted to a 4-0 win when the sides last met in Louth back in March, helped by the sending off of Robbie Benson a little over 30 minutes into the contest.

Their most recent clash came just a few days ago, a brace from Aaron Greene seeing Rovers secure all three points with a 2-0 win in Tallaght Stadium last Friday night.   

Meanwhile Derry City, holders of the FAI Cup, were drawn against Athlone Town and there is a Dublin derby that sees Bohemians host Shelbourne. Drogheda United will play Sligo Rovers.

There were 12 non-league teams involved in the draw, including FAI Intermediate Cup winners Rockmount who will take on Gorey Rangers. 

All 32 teams will be dreaming of playing in the final, which is set to take place on Sunday, November 12th at the Aviva Stadium. 

The Lilywhites are the second most successful team in the history of the cup. They've lifted the trophy 12 times, Shamrock Rovers being the only team with more, having tasted glory on 25 occasions. 

2023 Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup – First Round

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 v Avondale United

St. Michael's v Waterford

Longford Town v St. Patrick's Athletic

UCD v Cobh Ramblers