FAI Cup draw: Holders Dundalk to face Shelbourne

FAI Cup holders Dundalk will begin the defence of their title in identical fashion to last year with a home tie against Shelbourne.

Stephen Kenny’s side easily saw off the Reds at the same stage last year before going on to beat Cork City in the final, completing a league and cup double.

“We don’t want to be one of the shocks in this round so we’ll have to be fully focused. We may have caught them on an off day last year so can’t take anything for granted”, said Dundalk captain Stephen O’Donnell.

Shels have had somewhat of a topsy-turvy season in the First Division so far this year but the signing of former Ireland international Stephen Elliott and a penalty shootout win over Bohemians in the EA Sports Cup has revitalised Kevin Doherty’s side.

Premier Division sides Shamrock Rovers, St Patrick’s Athletic and Cork City all drew what look to be favourable home ties in the shape of non-league sides Midleton, Pike Rovers and St Peter’s respectively.

Struggling Bohemians will face up against Galway United at Dalymount Park in the only all-Premier Division clash of the second round.

The second draw in full is as follows:

Finn Harps v Crumlin United

Dundalk v Shelbourne

Bluebell United v Limerick FC

Bohemians v Galway United

Firhouse Clover v Wexford Youths

Athlone Town v Letterkenny Rovers

Ringmahon Rangers v Glebe North

Cobh Ramblers v Cherry Orchard

Derry City v Drogheda United

St Patrick’s Athletic v Pike Rovers

Sligo Rovers v Cabinteely

UCD v Bray Wanderers

Shamrock Rovers v Midleton

Janesboro v Sheriff YC

Waterford United v Longford Town

Cork City v St Peter’s Athlone

Ties to be played week-ending Sunday, May 22nd