Such is the nature of cup football in Ireland that often times sides can face each other multiple times as happened last week with Dundalk and Cobh Ramblers. On Monday last which was a Bank Holiday here in Ireland Cobh caused a huge upset when they beat Dundalk 1-0 in the semi-final of the EA Sports Cup. On Friday the two sides clashed again in the first round of the FAI Cup in Oriel Park, there was no shock this time with Dundalk winning 3-0. Ronan Murray scored two with Jamie McGrath getting the other. No side has won the FAI Cup more than Shamrock Rovers who have won the Blue Ribbon competition 24 times but their last win was in 1987 and their wait for number 25 continues as they were beaten 1-0 by first division side Drogheda United in United Park. Their cause wasn’t helped when Lee Grace was sent off in the 22nd minute with Chris Lyons scoring what would prove to be the games only goal from the resulting penalty.
Bohemians FC had a comfortable route to the second round as they travelled to Ferrycarrig to take on Wexford FC who are second from bottom in the First. Bohs won 7-0 with Dinny Corcoran grabbing a brace while Daniel Kelly, Keith Ward, Eoghan Stokes, JJ Lunney and Cristian Magerusan all getting one each. First Division leaders UCD fared better as they beat non-league side Pike Rovers 2-0 in the Belfield Bowl. Timmy Molloy and Conor Davis with their goals. For the second season in a row, Longford Town have knocked Sligo Rovers out of the FAI Cup. Last year they won 4-2 in the City Calling Stadium and this year they won 1-0 in the Showgrounds thanks to a goal from Jamie Hollywood. For Rovers supporters, their home form is pretty grim, in the 16 games that they have played in all competitions they have lost 10 and only won 3. In a local derby, Inchicore Athletic clashed with St. Patrick Athletic in Richmond Park with St. Pat’s winning 5-0. In an all First Division affair, Shelbourne FC beat Athlone Town 4-0 in Tolka Park.
Cabinteely booked their place with a 2-1 win away to non-league side Newmarket Celtic. Waterford FC who are third in the Premier won 4-1 away to Skerries Town. Derry City hit 12 in their game against Blarney United as the game finished 12-2 that was the highest scoring game in the history of the FAI Cup. Alistair Roy notched a hat-trick in the game. Galway United won 4-0 away to North End United. Limerick also won on the road beating Cockhill Celtic 2-0 in North Donegal. Holders Cork City won have won the cup for the last two years running comfortable secured their place in the second round with a 5-1 win over Home Farm in Whitehall. Ronan Coughlan scored two of their goals with Kieran Sadlier, Josh O’Hanlon and Barry McNamee getting the others. There were two all non-league affairs as Maynooth University Town took on Leeds AFC from Cork with the home side winning 2-0. In what was dubbed ‘El Traffico’ Dublin Bus played host to CIE Ranch (train workers) with the railwaymen winning 1-0.
