Bohs-Rovers derby headlines FAI Cup second round draw

A cracking Dublin derby between Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers proved the main talking point from the FAI Cup second-round draw where 32 teams learned the identity of their next opponent in the knock-out competition.

Last year’s beaten finalists, Bohs, will enjoy home advantage against Stephen Bradley’s league champions, Rovers, when the teams meet in the third week of July.

Elsewhere, holders St Patrick’s Athletic were the very last name out of the hat as they were handed a difficult trip up to Derry. After the draw, Pat’s full-back Anthony Breslin admitted, the Saints would have loved a home draw.

“We probably wanted a home draw but we went up there last year and won and we played well up there this year without getting the result we wanted,” Breslin said.

“We’ll go into it well prepared as usual, looking to get a result and kick off a good cup run.”

St Pat’s have endured a borderline miserable league campaign so far and recently replaced outgoing manager Jon Daly with the high-profile appointment of former Ireland boss Stephen Kenny.

Results may not have improved too much under the former Bohs and Dundalk manager so far, but Breslin sees good things around the corner for the Inchicore club.

“It’s been great under Stephen Kenny,” Breslin said. “His record speaks for itself. He’s managed the international team, that’s the caliber of manager we’ve got into the club.

“All the lads are buying in to what he wants to do. It’ll take time but we’re looking forward to the future.”

Elsewhere in the draw, there will be a Louth derby at Weavers Park when Drogheda host Dundalk; Galway United meet Longford Town; Cork City play Finn Harps and league leaders Shelbourne travel to the Garden County to take on Bray Wanderers.

FAI Cup Round 2, Full Draw
(ties to be played week ending Sunday 21 July)

Bohemians v Shamrock Rovers
Athlone Town v Ringmahon Rovers
Drogheda United v Dundalk
Sligo Rovers v Cobh Wanderers
Ballyfermot United v Leeds AFC
Cork City v Finn Harps
Galway United v Longford Town
Treaty United v Kilbarrack United
Waterford FC v Cockhill Celtic
Wayside Celtic v Wexford FC
Gorey Rangers v UCD
Pike Rovers v Midleton FC
Bray Wanderers v Shelbourne
Wilton United v Carrigaline United
Cobh Ramblers v Kerry FC
Derry City v St Patrick’s Athletic