The draw for the First Round of the FAI Cup is scheduled to take place tomorrow evening in Abbotstown.
According to the FAI, which earlier circulated that the 'old' 3rd Round (mentioned in the earlier League fixture lists) would now be the 2nd, 20 non-League clubs are in the draw. The first four clubs drawn will get byes into the Second Round, with the remaining teams paired off.
That seems to be the only change of format, in that with 22 League teams, 20 non-League 'qualifiers' and the 4 A-clubs to be catered for, they previously had to play two preliminary rounds to get the 46 teams down to 32.
The participating clubs this year – corresponding, it seems, though we are not told, to the previous pattern of Junior Cup Semi-finalists and Intermediate Cup 4th round – are Avondale United, Ballymun United, Blarney United, Cherry Orchard, Clonmel Celtic, College Corinthians, Crumlin United, Douglas Hall, Drumkeen United, Everton (Cork), Kilbarrack United, Kildrum Tigers, Killester United, Lucan United, Malahide United, Mayfield United, Phoenix FC, St Patrick’s CY, Sheriff YC and Verona FC.
The First Round fixtures are scheduled for Sunday 01 April.
The Second Round draw will take place on Monday 30 April.
GOOD LUCK TO ALL!
