The draw for the first round of the 2017 EA Sports Cup has been made, with holders St Patrick’s Athletic looking to defend the trophy. Pat’s begin this year’s version of the tournament with a home game against non-league side Bluebell United.

A number of teams have been given byes into the second round, including SSE Airtricity Premier Division winners Dundalk, FAI Cup champions Cork City, as well as First Division sides UCD and Shelbourne.

The full EA SPORTS Cup first-round draw is as follows:-

Pool 1 – Cobh Ramblers v Avondale United; Wexford v Waterford. Byes: Cork City, Limerick.

Pool 2 – Finn Harps v Cockhill Celtic; Galway United v Mayo League. Byes: Derry City, Sligo Rovers.

Pool 3 – Drogheda United v Bray Wanderers; St. Patrick’s Athletic v Bluebell United. Byes: Dundalk, U.C.D.

Pool 4 – Athlone Town v Longford Town; Bohemians v Cabinteely. Byes: Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne.

Matches to be played on Monday/Tuesday, March 20th/21st with dates and times to be confirmed at a later date.

Clubs who are involved in SSE Airtricity League fixtures on Saturday, 18th March are entitled to play their EA SPORTS Cup fixture on Tuesday, March 21st.