As we begin to approach the business end of the League of Ireland season, the draw for the final eight in the FAI Cup was conducted today and the pairings did not disappoint.
In a repeat of the 2022 final, the top two teams in this season's league will meet as Derry were paired with Shelbourne with a date at the Ryan McBride Brandywell to look forward to on the weekend of the 13-15 September.
Shelbourne will be heading up north seeking revenge having come out on the wrong end of a 4-0 defeat in the final at the Aviva two years ago.
First Division Athlone Town claimed a thrilling 3-2 away win after extra-time over Waterford to reach this stage, they're up against the Premier Division's bottom club Drogheda United for a place in the final four.
Highlights of a dramatic Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup Third Round clash in the RSC as Athlone Town booked their place in Tuesday's draw. #FAICup | #WATATH pic.twitter.com/sJUz4bmOfX
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) August 17, 2024
There is also guaranteed to be a First Division side in the final four as Wexford FC host Treaty United. With both teams fighting it out for a play-off place, it's guaranteed to be a drama-filled tie.
Having avoided a massive scare on Sunday against Kerry FC, Bohemians have been rewarded with a trip across Dublin to face UCD. It took penalties to come out on top against their Munster opponents in the previous round but the Dalymount faithful will no doubt be eyeing up a trip to the Aviva in November.
Some draw that.#FAICup pic.twitter.com/GW645PffZ1
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) August 20, 2024
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Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers' appeal against Bohemians fielding what they deemed the suspended Dawson Devoy in their first-round defeat continues. Another stage with the FAI’s framework is due to be heard shortly but the Hoops are likely to pursue their case through arbitration and even the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
There may be more mileage in this case yet, but at the moment we continue on as the remaining 8 teams look to navigate through another round and one step closer to the Aviva.
As teams begin to dream about a big day out in the Aviva, the prize at stake for the remaining eight teams is huge with the FAI Cup champions guaranteed a place in the Uefa Conference league second round qualifying round.
