Republic of Ireland FAI Intermediate Cup

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Wikipedia - FAI Intermediate Cup

The FAI Intermediate Cup (Irish: Corn Comortais Peile na hÉireann), also known as the FAI Umbro Intermediate Cup and the Pat O'Brien Intermediate Challenge Cup, is a cup competition organized by the Football Association of Ireland for intermediate association football clubs from the Republic of Ireland. These include clubs competing in the Leinster Senior League, the Munster Senior League and the Ulster Senior League. It was originally known as the FAI Qualifying Cup and from the beginning it has been used as a qualifying competition for the senior FAI Cup. It is currently sponsored by Umbro and has previously been sponsored by Carlsberg.

History

FAI Qualifying Cup

The competition was originally known as the FAI Qualifying Cup before it was renamed the FAI Intermediate Cup at the start of the 1931–32 season. The cup's first winners were Drumcondra who beat Cobh Ramblers in the inaugural 1926–27 final. Drumcondra, who at the time were playing in the Leinster Senior League, subsequently went onto complete a cup double when they defeated Brideville 1–0 in the 1926–27 FAI Cup final. The competition continues to act a qualifying competition for the FAI Cup with clubs who reach the Round of Sixteen being invited to compete in the senior cup.

League of Ireland

In addition to being the inaugural winners, Drumcondra were also the first of several future League of Ireland clubs to win the FAI Intermediate Cup. Cork Bohemians, Sligo Rovers, Longford Town, UCD, Cobh Ramblers, St Patricks Athletic, Albert Rovers, Bray Wanderers, Home Farm and Cork Hibernians, playing as AOH, all subsequently won the cup before joining the national league. Athlone Town were also finalists on one occasion. Jacobs, St. James's Gate and Transport all won the cup after leaving the League of Ireland. With five wins, Longford Town were the competitions most successful club until Bluebell United equalled their record in 1999–2000 and Avondale United surpassed it in 2013–14. The reserve teams of League of Ireland clubs have also won the cup on several occasions. These include Bohemians, Shelbourne, Drumcondra and St Patrick's Athletic. Limerick B and UCD Reserves were also runners up.

2000s and 2010s

During the 2000s and 2010s Avondale United and Crumlin United have been the cup's most successful clubs. In 2013–14 Avondale United became only the second club after Distillery to win the cup four times in a row. In 2012 the FAI introduced a new cup, the Tom Hand Memorial Cup, which saw the winners of the FAI Intermediate Cup play off against the winners of the FAI Junior Cup. Avondale United won the inaugural match, defeating Sheriff Y.C. 2–1 at the AUL Complex. In 2014 it was announced that future finals would be hosted at the Aviva Stadium. The 2014–15 and 2015–16 finals were both played as double headers along with the FAI Junior Cup finals.

The Republic of Ireland FAI Intermediate Cup is an annual soccer tournament held in Ireland. It is organized by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and is specifically designed for intermediate-level clubs in the country.

The tournament provides a platform for clubs from various regions of Ireland to compete against each other and showcase their talent. It is considered one of the most prestigious competitions at the intermediate level, attracting teams from all over the country.

The Republic of Ireland FAI Intermediate Cup features a knockout format, where teams face off in a series of matches until a champion is crowned. The tournament begins with preliminary rounds, gradually narrowing down the participating teams to the final contenders.

Matches are played on various soccer grounds across Ireland, creating a vibrant atmosphere for both players and spectators. The tournament often witnesses intense and competitive matches, as teams battle it out for a chance to progress to the next round.

The Republic of Ireland FAI Intermediate Cup not only provides an opportunity for clubs to compete for glory but also serves as a stepping stone for talented players to catch the attention of higher-level clubs and potentially advance their careers in professional soccer.

The tournament's rich history and tradition make it a highly anticipated event in the Irish soccer calendar. It showcases the passion and dedication of intermediate-level clubs, highlighting the depth of talent present in Irish soccer.

Overall, the Republic of Ireland FAI Intermediate Cup is a thrilling and prestigious tournament that celebrates the skill and determination of intermediate-level clubs in Ireland, while also providing a platform for players to shine and potentially progress to higher levels of the sport.