Leinster sides have enjoyed great success over the past years in the Irish Senior Cup and will be hoping for more glory in 2026.

Holders Balbriggan and runners-up Clontarf are already through to the last 16 given their success in reaching the final last time out.

There's an added incentive for Clontarf with Castle Avenue the venue for both the finals of the Irish National and Senior Cups on August 15th and 16th as they are celebrating their 150th anniversary.

North County - five-times winners - are back in the top flight and they face three times winners North Down, although it has been a barren time for both in the competition in recent years.

Leinster, who won for the second time in 2023 look to have an easy time on paper as they face debutants Laurelvale, while 2002 champions Malahide will be strong favourites to progress against Coleraine.

Rush - who reached the final back in 2006 as well as winning the National Cup four times - are home to Cork Harlequins, while fellow Munster side Cork County are home to Instonians.

Arguable the tie of the round pits six-times winners Waringstown against Pembroke in a repeat of the 2019 final won by the Sydney Parade side.

Phoenix, who won for the second time in  2024, are away at the artist formerly known as CIYMS, while seven-times finalists Merrion (two wins) travel to Donegal to face St Johnston, who in 1987 were the first NW side to lift the Bob Kerr trophy.

2006 victors Railway Union are also in the North-West, travelling to Newbuildings.

All first round games are scheduled for Saturday May 9th, with the reserve date the following Saturday.

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