Waringstown have been handed a tough assignment in the opening round of the Irish Senior Cup facing Dublin kingpins Pembroke.
It's a repeat of the 2019 final, when the Leinster side denied Waringstown a record-extending seventh title.
The NCU side, celebrating their 175th anniversary, will be keen to get their hands once again on the Bob Kerr trophy they last won in 2018. As part of their celebrations, The Lawn will be the venue for the All-Ireland T20 Finals Day on Sunday August 23rd.
The draw hasn't been kind to NCU sides with three-times winners North Down away at North County, while CI, the last side from the region to win the trophy in 2022, host 2024 winners Phoenix.
Competition debutant Laurelvale, back in the top echelons of local cricket for the first time since 1972, travel to Rathmines to face Leinster, while reigning All-Ireland T20 champions Instonians face a long trek to Munster to take on Cork County. The Shaw’s Bridge side have never won the trophy; their best effort a 2011 loss to Waringstown.
Hoping for home comforts are Muckamore who host Fox Lodge, while the first winners of the tournament back in 1982 CSNI entertain Strabane, and Woodvale face Bready at Ballygomartin Road.
North-West sides have endured a 22-year drought in Ireland's premier competition, and their main hopes rest with the 'big three'.
Two-time winners and current league champions Brigade have a difficult task at home to Lisburn, while Donemana, who reached the last eight in 2025, will be hoping to progress against Cliftonville Academy.
Newbuildings host Railway Union, while in Donegal, St Johnston - the first side from the NW to lift the trophy in 1987 - won't relish facing Merrion, while Coleraine are in Dublin to face 2002 champions Malahide.
All the games are scheduled for Saturday May 16th.
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
