2023 FAI Cup


The 2023 FAI Cup, known as the Sports Direct FAI Cup for sponsorship reasons, was the 103rd edition of the Republic of Ireland's primary national cup competition. It featured teams from the League of Ireland Premier Division and the First Division, as well as non-league teams. The competition began with qualifying on 7 April 2023 and concluded with the final on 12 November 2023 in the Aviva Stadium. The winners qualified for the second qualifying round of the 2024–25 UEFA Conference League.
St Patrick's Athletic won the cup on 12 November after a 3–1 win over Bohemians in the final, it was their fifth FAI Cup win.

Teams

The 2023 FAI Cup is a knockout competition with 40 teams taking part. The competitors consist of the 20 teams from the League of Ireland and 20 teams from the regional leagues of the Republic of Ireland football league system.
League of Ireland Premier DivisionLeague of Ireland First DivisionLeinster Senior LeagueMunster Senior LeagueUlster Senior LeagueOther leagues

  • Athlone Town
  • Bray Wanderers
  • Cobh Ramblers
  • Finn Harps
  • Galway United
  • Kerry
  • Longford Town
  • Treaty United
  • Waterford
  • Wexford
  • Bangor Celtic
  • Drumcondra
  • Gorey Rangers
  • Home Farm
  • Kilbarrack United
  • Killester Donnycarney
  • Lucan United
  • Portlaoise
  • Skerries Town
  • St Mochta's
  • St Patrick's CY
  • Usher Celtic
  • Willow Park
  • Avondale United
  • Ringmahon Rangers
  • Rockmount
  • Cockhill Celtic
  • Ballynanty Rovers
  • St Michael's
  • Newmarket Celtic

    • Preliminary round

    The eight preliminary round ties began over the weekend of the 9th of April with the first round proper played in July. The four non-league teams receiving byes into the first round were; Lucan United, Gorey Rangers, Avondale United and Bangor Celtic.

    First round

    The draw for the first round was made on June 6 and was made by FAI President Gerry McAnaney and former FAI Cup winner Derek Coughlan. All ties took place on the weekend of 23 July.

    Second round

    The draw for the second round was made on 25 July and was broadcast live on RTE 2FM on the 'Game On' radio programme. All ties took place on the weekend of 20 August.

    Quarter-finals

    The draw for the quarter-finals of the FAI Cup was hosted by Shane Dawson and was made on 22 August 2023. FAI President Gerry McAnaney and former two time FAI Cup winner Barry Ferguson made the draw. Games were played on 15 September 2023.

    Semi-finals

    The draw for the semi finals was made on 19 September and was hosted by Shane Dawson at FAI Headquarters in Abbotstown. The draw was made by FAI President Gerry McAnaney and for FAI Cup winner Shane Robinson.

    Final

    The final was held on 12 November 2023 in the Aviva Stadium.