Cork City celebrate following last season's FAI Cup final win against Dundalk. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

CORK CITY WILL begin their defence of the FAI Cup at the Carlisle Grounds.

The draw for the first round of the 2017 competition took place this morning in Kilkenny, with the holders handed a difficult away tie against Bray Wanderers.

It’s a repeat of last Sunday afternoon’s Premier Division game in Bray, which Cork City won 2-0 against Harry Kenny’s third-placed side to extend their lead at the top of the table to 15 points (with a game in hand).

The other standout tie from the draw will see Premier Division champions Dundalk — who were beaten by Cork City after extra time in last year’s FAI Cup final — play host to Derry City, who are currently in fifth place in the top flight.

FAI Cup first round draw

Waterford v Shelbourne
Bluebell United v Sheriff YC
Cobh Ramblers v Limerick
Longford Town v Sligo Rovers
Bray Wanderers v Cork City
Dundalk v Derry City
Portmarnock v St Patrick’s Athletic
Wexford v Crumlin United
Finn Harps v Bohemians
Cabinteely v UCD
Shamrock Rovers v Glenville
Cobh Wanderers v Killarney Celtic
Bangor Celtic v Everton
Ballincollig v Athlone Town
Evergreen v Drogheda United
Killester United v Galway United

The games are due to be played on the weekend of 11/12/13 August. All ties are to be decided on the day for the first two rounds, so extra time and penalties will be played if required.

‘I didn’t really stand out because there were a lot of boys bigger, stronger and quicker than me’

‘Some players are only 16 and they’ve nothing to come back to. Some don’t even have a Junior Cert’