North-West sides have been handed a tough draw in the opening round of the Irish Senior Cup as they look to end a 22-year drought in the competition.

Two-times winners Brigade are drawn at home to Lisburn, while Donemana take on Cliftonville Academy.

St Johnston - the first NW side to win the event back in 1987 - face Dublin kingpins Merrion, while Newbuildings also face Leinster opposition in the form of Railway Union.

Coleraine travel to Malahide, while also on the road are Fox Lodge at Muckamore, Bready at Woodvale, and 1998 winners Strabane at CSNI.

All the first round games take place on Saturday May 9th.

IRISH SENIOR CUP – 1st Round Draw
North County v North Down
Leinster v Laurelvale
Malahide v Coleraine
Rush v Cork Harlequins
Cork County v Instonians
Waringstown v Pembroke
CI* v Phoenix
Muckamore v Fox Lodge
CSNI v Strabane
Woodvale v Bready
St Johnston v Merrion
Newbuildings v Railway Union
Brigade v Lisburn
Donemana v Cliftonville Academy

Byes: Balbriggan, Clontarf
* formerly CIYMS