Category: Irish Cup
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BBC NI spot on to show Ballymacash versus Glentoran in Irish Cup… and it sets a precedent
When the Irish Cup Sixth Round draw was revealed, I penned an article shortly after listing my clear preference for the coveted BBC Northern Ireland broadcast slot. And with the last-eight draw having been made, I still say the national broadcaster’s decision to screen said suggested match to an international audience was spot on. Yes,…
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Big guns beware… Ballyclare and Newington showed they can cut it when chips look down
The Irish Cup last-16 proved a fruitful round for Championship clubs, with six entering the fray and four coming out the other side unscathed. Indeed, there wasn’t a single instance of a Premiership club toppling a second-tier adversary, with north Down duo Bangor and Ards eliminated by division rivals Portadown and Institute respectively. Harking back…
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Upset value in the Irish Cup on full display in the Fifth Round… with every chance of continuing
In the Irish Cup Sixth Round, there were three all-Premiership ties pulled out of the hat that all but confirms the amount of top-flight clubs will have at least been slashed in half from the last-32 by the time the quarter-finals roll around. League leaders Linfield will host relegation-battling Ballymena United, second-placed Larne entertain Glenavon…
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Ballymacash Rangers’ Irish Cup showdown with Glentoran pick of the last-16 ties for TV billing
When the Irish Cup Fifth Round draw was made, intermediate representation in the last-16 had already been rubber-stamped when Oxford Sunnyside of the Mid-Ulster League learned that they would face Premier Intermediate League opposition in Ballymacash Rangers. It was history in itself for The ‘Cash, who were featuring at this stage of the blue-riband 143-year-old…
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Five-star Ballyclare Comrades sign off Dixon Park grass pitch era with flourish in Irish Cup
Ballyclare Comrades began their 2024 with the end of an era, progressing into the Sixth Round of the Irish Cup but saying a heartfelt goodbye to their days on grass at Dixon Park. Their 5-2 victory over Strabane Athletic was the final first-team match at the east Antrim venue before a new artificial surface is…
