The 2024 FAI Cup, known as the Sports Direct FAI Cup for sponsorship reasons,[1] will be the 104th edition of the Republic of Ireland's primary national cup competition. It will feature teams from the League of Ireland Premier Division and the First Division, as well as non-league teams.
The competition format for this season has altered slightly, with no qualifying rounds. The preliminary round, traditionally held before the first round, will now merge with the first round of the competition. This year the first round will feature 20 clubs, comprising the last 16 teams from the 2023/24 FAI Intermediate Cup and the final four clubs from the 2023/24 FAI Junior Cup. Following the completion of the first round, League of Ireland clubs will enter the competition in the second round.[2]
The draw for the first round ties was made on 17 April and was made by former FAI Cup winner Stephen McGuiness and PFAI President Paul Cook.[3] All ties are due to be played on the week ending 19 May. Teams receiving byes into the second round were: Carrigaline United, Ringmahon Rangers, Leeds and Kilbarrack United.
