THE SCHEDULE FOR the first round of the 2018 FAI Cup has been released today.

While fixtures were already known as the draw took place at the beginning of July, dates, kick-off times and venues needed to be confirmed with the competition getting underway in ten days’ time.

Defending champions Cork City, who have overcome Dundalk in the past two finals, will begin their defence away to Home Farm on Sunday, 12 August. Kick-off at Whitehall is 1pm.

Dundalk are due to host Cobh Ramblers at Oriel Park on Friday, 10 August (7.45pm kick-off). However, if the Lilywhites progress to the third qualifying round of the Europa League, the game will be rescheduled for two days later at 6pm.

Shamrock Rovers travel to United Park to take on Drogheda United, while the non-League of Ireland ties see CIE Ranch meet Dublin Bus at Coldcut on Saturday, 11 August (3pm), and Maynooth University Town entertain Leeds on the same day (5pm).

Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup – First Round Schedule

Friday, 10 August 

• Bray Wanderers v Finn Harps, Carlisle Grounds, 7.45pm
• Drogheda United v Shamrock Rovers, United Park, 7.45pm
• *Dundalk v Cobh Ramblers, Oriel Park, 7.45pm
• Inchicore Athletic v St. Patrick’s Athletic, Richmond Park, 7.45pm
• Shelbourne v Athlone Town, Tolka Park, 7.45pm
• UCD v Pike Rovers, The UCD Bowl, 7.45pm
• Wexford v Bohemians, Ferrycarrig Park, 8pm

*If Dundalk qualify for the Uefa Europa League third qualifying round, they will play their fixture on Sunday, 12 August, with kick-off at 6pm.

Saturday, 11 August 

• Dublin Bus v CIE Ranch, Coldcut, 3pm
• Blarney United v Derry City, O’Shea Park, 5pm
• Maynooth University Town v Leeds, Maynooth University Astro, 5pm
• Skerries Town v Waterford, Park Lane (TBC), 5pm
• Newmarket Celtic v Cabinteely, Frank Healy Park, Ennis, 6pm
• Northend United v Galway United, Ferrycarrig Park, 6pm
• Sligo Rovers v Longford Town, The Showgrounds, 7.45pm

Sunday, 12 August 

• Home Farm v Cork City, Whitehall, 1pm
• Cockhill Celtic v Limerick, Charlie O’Donnell Park, 3pm

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