EA CUP Draw 2015
The draw for the first round of the 2015 EA Sports Cup took place in FAI headquarters this afternoon.
Along with the 20 SSE Airtricity League teams, four non-league teams, Crumlin United, UCC, Cockhill Celtic and Mayo League were also in the hat at Abbotstown. The draw was performed by Fran Gavin, FAI Director of Competitions, and Sue Ronan, Ireland's Women's National Team Manager.
Teams that are involved in Europe and the Setanta Cup automatically receive a bye into round two. The first round of games are to be played on March 9th, with September 19th scheduled for the final.
Newcomers to the league Cabinteeley Town and UCC were drawn to play U.C.D and Wexford Youths respectively while two local derby’s in the west gives Pool 2 an edge so early in the season as Mayo League host Sligo Rovers while Finn Harps make the trip down to Galway.
Pool 3 sees first division side Shelbourne travel to Drogheda United, while non-league team, Leinster Senior League winners Crumlin United, hosts Bray Wanderers.
In Pool 4 Bohs are at home to Athlone Town while Cobh Ramblers and Limerick make up the final Pool 1 pairings.
The second round of games are due to be played on April 6th and 7th.
EA Sports Cup - First Round Draw
POOL 1
Wexford Youths v UCC
Cobh Ramblers v Limerick
Byes: Cork City, Waterford United.
POOL 2
Mayo League v Sligo Rovers
Galway United v Finn Harps
Byes: Derry City, Cockhill Celtic.
POOL 3
Crumlin United v Bray Wanderers
Drogheda United v Shelbourne
Byes: Dundalk, St Patrick's Athletic.
POOL 4
UCD v Cabinteely
Bohemians v Athlone Town
Byes: Shamrock Rovers, Longford Town.