FAI Senior Cup Draw – Fairview Rangers handed tough test in qualifying round

The FAI Senior Cup qualifying round draw has been made with six qualifying round ties scheduled over the week ending Sunday, July 11 with the action set to get underway at Grange Gorman Astro between Oliver Bond Celtic v Killester Donnycarney.

Current FAI Junior champions Limerick’s Fairview Rangers have been drawn at home to Athenry FC in a repeat of the 2020 Junior semi-final that saw Fairview advance after a penalty shootout.

The last times these sides met, there was late mayhem.

Clyde O’Connell, now of Treaty United, netted for Fairview in the 89th minute to break the deadlock, only for the Galway side to peg Fairview back with an injury time equaliser.

On the way to the 2020 junior victory, O’Connell also faced up against Treaty teammate Matt Keane, beating Killarney Celtic, once again on penalties.

There’s further history between the sides with Athenry being the team who stopped Fairview’s Junior title defence in 2011.

In the last 64 of the 2011 junior competition, Athenry were on the other side of a 1-1 draw that went to penalties, knocking the champions out.

A mouthwatering tie in prospect in the early stages of the senior cup before the bigger sides enter the fray.

The game is due to take place on Saturday 10th July at 18:00, with the game taking place at Fairview’s ground in Limerick.

Another notable name in the draw, the other junior finalists of 2020, Usher Celtic have been given a bye to the next round.

Draw in full

09/07 – Oliver Bond Celtic v Killester Donnycarney – 7.30pm, Grange Gorman Astro
10/07 – Maynooth University Town v Bonegee United – 2pm, NUI Maynooth Astro
10/07 – Ringmahon Rangers v Crumlin United – 3pm, Ringmahon Park
10/07 – St. Mochtas v Cockhill Celtic – 4pm, Porterstown Road
10/07 – Fairview Rangers v Athenry FC – 6pm, Fairview Rangers
11/07 – Kilnamanagh v Home Farm – 11am, Ned Kelly Park

Byes: Malahide United, Banger GGFC, St. Kevin’s Boys, College Corinthians, Liffey Wanderers, Usher Celtic.