The 2019 FAI Cup (known as the Extra.ie FAI Cup for sponsorship purposes[1]) was the 99th edition of the annual Republic of Ireland's cup competition.[2] Forty teams participated in the competition, including all teams from the Premier Division and First Division. The competition began on 19 April 2019 with the first of five rounds and ended on 3 November 2019 with the final at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, a nominally neutral venue, which has hosted the final since 2010.
Shamrock Rovers won the final 4–2 against Dundalk for their 25th title. Because Rovers qualified for the Europa League through the Premier Division, the fourth-place team in the Premier Division, Derry City, earned qualification for 2020–21 edition of the UEFA Europa League.
Qualifying round
The draw for the qualifying round was made on 20 March 2019 at the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown. Former Republic of Ireland international Keith Fahey and FAI Vice President Noel Fitzroy performed the draw, with representatives from the clubs in attendance.
The draw for the first round took place on 8 July 2019 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, and was hosted by Con Murphy.[4] National under-21 team manager Stephen Kenny and former Derry City manager Gavin Dykes performed the draw.
A total of 32 teams were in the first round draw: 20 teams from the Premier Division and First Division, four teams who received byes from the qualifying round and eight winners of the qualifying round.
All ties were set to be played the week ending Sunday 11 August, except the tie between Athlone Town and Longford Town, which was postponed to 13 August due to an unplayable pitch.
The draw for the semi-finals took place on 12 September 2019 and was broadcast live on Morning Ireland on RTÉ Radio 1. Both ties were played on the weekend ending 29 September and were shown live on RTÉ2.[5]
^Since the winners of the FAI Cup, Shamrock Rovers, qualified for the Europa League based on their league position, the Europa League qualifying spot awarded to the FAI Cup winner was passed to the fourth-placed team in the Premier Division, Derry City.
^Glengad United played their second round match at Maginn Park, Buncrana, instead of their regular stadium, The Crua, Glengad.
^Crumlin United played their quarter-final match at Richmond Park, Inchicore, instead of their regular stadium, Pearse Park, Crumlin.