Shamrock Rovers drawn against Dundalk in pick of first round FAI Cup ties

The two most successful sides in the history of the FAI Cup have been paired against each other in this year’s first round.

Twelve-time winners Dundalk will host the competition kingpins Shamrock Rovers – who’ve won the Blue Riband on a record 25 occasions – at Oriel Park at the end of next month.

In the other standout tie following Tuesday’s draw in Abbotstown, Bohemians host Shelbourne, who knocked them out in the quarter-finals last season en route to losing the decider to Derry City.

Holders Derry, smarting from a 4-1 league defeat at St Patrick’s Athletic on Monday, were given a home draw against First Division Athlone Town.

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“Regardless of who you get, being at home is always a nice start,” said Derry defender Mark Connolly.

“It won’t be easy. The cup games are always very difficult. Being the holders, and knowing how much winning the cup meant to supporters, owners, family and friends, the competition is something we really look forward to.

“It was good to come here today, watch the draw live, and be involved in it. The league will take care of itself over the next few weeks, but this is something for us to look forward to.”

This season’s League of Ireland newcomers Kerry FC will be relatively happy with a home draw also – they are fixed to play Cork non-league side Ringmahon Rangers.

“It’s a good draw, we’d take anyone,” said Kerry striker Leo Gaxha. “Obviously we’re going to go into the game taking them fully seriously and showing them respect.

“We’ll prepare for it like we do the league games. The home draw is a good thing, get the crowd behind us again and it’s a game to look forward to as a club, as a team. It’s the first time that Kerry is in the FAI Cup, so there are lots of positives and things to look forward to.

“It’s a derby really. Any Cork team you get drawn against, it’s Kerry versus Cork, that’s another thing to look forward to, that rivalry there.”

The standout tie in the women’s draw pits two-time winners Peamount United away to Treaty United.

Holders Shelbourne received a bye into the quarter-finals.

Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup first round

Galway United v Bangor Celtic

Dundalk v Shamrock Rovers

Bohemians v Shelbourne

Portlaoise v Sherries 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 CYFC

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

Longford Town v St Patrick’s Athletic

UCD v Cobh Ramblers

(Ties to be played weekend July 23rd)

Sports Direct Women’s FAI Cup first round

Treaty United v Peamount United

DLR Waves v Wexford Youths

Sligo Rovers v Bonagee United

Shamrock Rovers v Killester Donnycarney

Terenure Rangers v Cork City

Cabinteely v Bohemians

Athlone Town v Galway United

(Ties to be played weekend August 27th. Holders Shelbourne bye into quarter-finals)