PREVIEW - Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup Second Round

After a famous day in Dublin 4 last November, all Clubs in the Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup Second Round this weekend will be dreaming of reaching the pinnacle on November 10 this year. 

Stories will be told for generations much like they were told of the crowds at the 1945 final between Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers. 

And it’s apt that we see those two sides meet again in Dalymount Park on Friday night in a tantalising Dublin Derby where only one side will prevail. 

Bohs come into the Derby buoyed by the signings of Ross Tierney and Dawson Devoy and will be hoping they can provide a catalyst for a win that their fans will crave more than any else. 

Alan Reynolds’ side have been struggling of late in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division, but a Cup run can provide a much needed shot in the arm for their 2024 season as they look to get back to the biggest day in Irish football again this season.

Shamrock Rovers will also be boosted by an incredible night in Tallaght on Tuesday when they beat Icelandic Champions Vikingur Reykjavik 2-1 to line up a tie against Sparta Prague in the UEFA Champions League Second Qualifying Round. 

Cup football and Derby nights means this is anyones guess and if we have the drama of the Covid-19 clash when Andy Lyons scored a famous winner for Bohs cutting in off the right hand side we will be in for one hell of a treat. 

There’s another exciting clash in Cobh too, as two Munster sides meet looking to put together a run. Kerry, only in their second ever edition of the Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup, travel to St. Colman’s Park where Cobh Ramblers will be hoping to use home advantage to progress in the Third Round. 

Both sides have met this season in the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division and both clashes were extremely tight so Friday night’s fixture will likely go to the wire. 

Ramblers came out on top in St. Colman’s Park in the League but Kerry will be eyeing a massive win with some impressive form in recent weeks and buoyed by Ryan Kelliher grabbing Kerry’s first ever hat-trick last week. 

Some other standouts on Friday night sees the Louth Derby in Weavers Park and Donegal side Cockhill Celtic travel to the RSC in Waterford to face a Waterford side who might be thinking of a long Cup run given their form in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division. 

Keith Long’s side sit Third in the Division and have a potent attack capable of winning any game and with a favourable draw at home they might be looking at the long game. 

On Saturday, the headline act comes from Turner’s Cross as Finn Harps make the long trip to Cork City and with the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division already in their sights, Tim Clancy’s side might also be hoping for a run to the Aviva with an impressive mix of League of Ireland stalwarts in Greg Bolger and Cian Coleman as well as some promising youth in Cathal O’Sullivan and Evan McLaughlin. 

On the 50th anniversary of their famous Men’s FAI Cup win though, Finn Harps will be hoping to roll back the years on Saturday night with a shock of their own. 

It’s then onto a Super Sunday by every stretch of the imagination across LOITV and around the country. 2022 finalists Shelbourne and winners Derry City return from the continental adventures on Thursday for two huge games in the Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup.

Shels take the DART down to the Carlisle Grounds to face Bray Wanderers who celebrate their 25th anniversary of that famous Cup win over Finn Harps while Derry City host defending Champions St. Patrick’s Athletic. 

Last season’s clash between Derry City and St. Patrick’s Athletic went all the way to the wire with penalties and Stephen Kenny will be eyeing a jolt into life for his Saints side as they try to defend their title. 

Sunday also sees Wayside Celtic host Wexford while Gorey Rangers welcome UCD with both clashes live on LOITV. 

Both Wayside Celtic and Corey Rangers will be hoping they are the ones to provide the magic of the Cup this weekend with a shock against their League of Ireland opposition but both clashes will be tremendous days ahead for the Clubs. 

Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup Second Round 

Friday, 19 July, 2024 - 19:45 

Athlone Town v Ringmahon Rangers, Athlone Town Stadium - live on LOITV
Bohemians v Shamrock Rovers, Dalymount Park - live on LOITV
Cobh Ramblers v Kerry, St. Colman’s Park - live on LOITV
Drogheda United v Dundalk, Weavers Park - live on LOITV
Galway United v Longford Town, Eamonn Deacy Park - live on LOITV
Treaty United v Kilbarrack United, Markets Field - live on LOITV
Waterford v Cockhill Celtic, RSC- live on LOITV
Wilton United v Carrigaline United, Ballea Park 

Saturday, 20 July, 2024

Pike Rovers v Midleton, Pike Rovers Complex - 15:00
Cork City v Finn Harps, Turner’s Cross - 17:00 - live on LOITV

Sunday, 21 July, 2024, 

Ballyfermot United v Leeds, Coldcut, 12:00
Gorey Rangers v UCD, 14:00, Altura Credit Union Park - live on LOITV
Wayside Celtic v Wexford, 15:00, Jackson Park - live on LOITV
Bray Wanderers v Shelbourne, Carlisle Grounds, 15:00 - live on LOITV
Derry City v St. Patrick’s Athletic, The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, 18:00 - live on LOITV
Sligo Rovers v Cobh Wanderers, The Showgrounds, 18:00 - live on LOITV