Fixtures
| Date | R | Home vs Away | - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/07 18:45 | 1 |
Shelbourne vs Drogheda United
|
View |
Results
| Date | R | Home vs Away | - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11/10 15:00 | 1 |
Drogheda United vs Derry City
|
2-0 |
| 10/06 13:50 | 2 |
Drogheda United vs Wexford FC
|
3-2 |
| 10/04 18:45 | 2 |
Bohemians Dublin vs Derry City
|
0-2 |
| 09/14 16:45 | 3 |
Derry City vs Shelbourne
|
2-0 |
| 09/13 18:45 | 3 |
Wexford FC vs Treaty United FC
|
4-1 |
| 09/13 18:45 | 3 |
Athlone Town vs Drogheda United
|
1-4 |
| 09/13 18:45 | 3 |
UCD vs Bohemians Dublin
|
0-4 |
| 08/18 15:00 | 9 |
Kerry FC vs Bohemians Dublin
|
4-6 |
| 08/17 18:45 | 9 |
Sligo Rovers vs UCD
|
0-2 |
| 08/16 18:45 | 9 |
Shelbourne vs Galway United
|
6-4 |
| 08/16 18:45 | 9 |
Treaty United FC vs Pike Rovers
|
7-0 |
| 08/16 18:45 | 9 |
Ballyfermot United vs Wexford FC
|
0-3 |
Teams
Dundalk
Cork City
Derry City
Shamrock Rovers
Bohemians Dublin
St Patricks
Drogheda United
Finn Harps
UCD
Longford Town
Waterford FC
Shelbourne
Galway United
Sligo Rovers
Athlone Town
Bray Wanderers
Cobh Ramblers
Limerick
Cabinteely FC
Avondale United
Crumlin United
Cockhill Celtic FC
Maynooth University Town FC
Cobh Wanderers
Bluebell United
Sheriff YC
Malahide Utd
Ringmahon Rangers
Rockmount
St Mochtas
St Patricks CY FC
Midleton FC
Wilton United
Ballyfermot United
Letterkenny Rovers
Glebe North FC
Tolka Rovers
Wayside Celtic
UCC
College Corinthians FC
St Francis FC
Everton AFC
Cherry Orchard
Home Farm FC
Mayfield United
Dublin Bus
Evergreen FC
Glenville
Portmarnock AFC
Edenderry Town
Wikipedia - FAI Cup
The Football Association of Ireland Senior Challenge Cup (FAI Cup), known as the Sports Direct FAI Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland (as well as Derry City from Northern Ireland). Organised by the FAI (Football Association of Ireland), the competition is currently sponsored by Sports Direct. It was known as the Free State Cup from 1923 to 1936. Shamrock Rovers hold the record of most wins with 25.
The current holders are Drogheda United F.C. who won their 2nd title on 10 November 2024, defeating Derry City F.C. 2-0 at Aviva Stadium.
History
Shelbourne, Bohemians and Derry City are the only clubs to have won both the (Northern) Irish Cup and the FAI Cup, although Shelbourne and Bohemians only won it before partition, while Derry City remained in the Northern Irish league system until 1973, entering the League of Ireland in 1985. Alton United based in Belfast and Derry City are the only sides from outside the Republic of Ireland to win the competition.
Athlone Town in 1924, Dundalk in 1958, Shamrock Rovers in 1968 and Sligo Rovers in 2010 are the only sides ever to win the Cup without conceding a goal.
Since 2003, Irish domestic football has moved from the traditional European August–May season to a summer set-up, as favoured in Scandinavia. As an "interim" season was played in the second half of 2002, two FAI Cup Finals took place that year – Dundalk winning in April, and Derry City lifting the trophy in November.
Following the 1985 expansion of the League of Ireland to two Divisions, Bray Wanderers were the first First Division team to win the Cup, defeating non-League St. Francis in 1990. Bray were also the first team to win the Cup in a season that saw them relegated, in 1999. Dundalk were relegated in 2002 while winning the first of that year's trophies.
After two defeats in Cup Finals in the 1970s, Drogheda United finally reached the summit in 2005. Goals from Gavin Whelan (whose father, Paul, captained Bohemians to the 1992 cup and whose grandfather, Ronnie, won two cups with St. Patrick's Athletic) and captain Declan O'Brien helped "the Drogs" to a 2–0 win over Cork City.
The last soccer game to be played at the old Lansdowne Road was the 2006 final, contested between St. Patrick's Athletic and Derry City, who ran out eventual 4–3 winners after extra-time. The original FAI Cup was also retired after the game with a brand new version of the trophy to be used in the following seasons.
The largest ever win in the competition occurred on 29 November 2020 when Dundalk beat Athlone Town 11–0 at the semi-final stage.
The largest ever attendance at an FAI Cup game was 43,881 people, as St Patrick's Athletic defeated Bohemians 3–1 in the 2023 FAI Cup Final at the Aviva Stadium.
The FAI Cup is renowned for its thrilling matches, dramatic upsets, and the opportunity for lower-tier clubs to compete against top-flight teams, making it a beloved event for fans across the country. Each year, teams battle it out in a series of knockout rounds, culminating in a grand final that typically takes place at the iconic Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
The tournament not only offers clubs a chance to claim silverware but also provides a pathway to European competition, with the winner earning a spot in the UEFA Europa League. The FAI Cup is celebrated for its passionate atmosphere, community spirit, and the chance for players to etch their names into Irish football history. Whether you're a die-hard supporter or a casual fan, the FAI Cup promises excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments on the pitch.