FAI Cup sees format change with updated first round

The Football Association of Ireland have announced a change in the format for the upcoming Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup.

The preliminary round, traditionally held before the first round, will now merge with the first round of the competition.

This year, the first round will feature 20 clubs, comprising the last 16 teams from the 2023/24 FAI Intermediate Cup and the final four clubs from the 2023/24 FAI Junior Cup. 

Following the completion of the first round, League of Ireland clubs will enter the competition in the second round. The draw for the first round is scheduled to take place live on the FAI YouTube Channel on Tuesday, 16 April 2024, at 12:30.

The first 16 teams drawn will compete in eight first round ties. The remaining four clubs will receive byes to the second round.

The teams who will be in the pot for the first round are as follows:

Ayrfield United FC
Ballyfermot United SSC
Carrigaline United AFC
Cobh Wanderers AFC
Cockhill Celtic FC
College Corinthians AFC
Colinstown FC
Glebe North FC
Gorey Rangers AFC
Kilbarrack United FC
Leeds AFC
Maynooth University Town FC
Midleton FC
Pike Rovers FC
Ringmahon Rangers FC
Rockmount AFC
St. Francis FC
Villa FC
Wayside Celtic FC
Wilton United FC