Longford begin defence

Longford Town will begin their defence of the Carlsberg FAI Cup at 2.30 p.m. on Sunday it was confirmed yesterday. The club's tie with Cork side Leeds, which is to be staged at Turner's Cross, was one of a number for which a time had still not been confirmed prior to the weekend.

The visit by Limerick to Cobh Ramblers has been brought forward to Friday night so as to avoid a clash with Cork City's Intertoto Cup game with Nantes while the meeting between Dundalk's Quay Celtic and Drumcondra at Clancy Park on Sunday will now kick-off at 2.30 p.m.

Meanwhile, Shelbourne's Ollie Byrne is likely to face new disciplinary action from the Eircom League after being reported by referee Anthony Buttimer for his behaviour during Sunday's defeat by Drogheda United at Tolka Park.

Byrne already faces the prospect of being sanctioned by the league for a similar incident at the recent 1-1 draw with Shamrock Rovers.

FAI CUP: Thursday: Bohemians v Ringmahon Rangers, Dalymount Park (7.45); Dundalk v Drogheda United, Oriel Park (7.45); Friday: Waterford United v Sligo Rovers, RSC (7.30); St Patrick's Athletic v Wayside Celtic, Richmond Park (7.45); Monaghan United v Dublin City, Century Homes Park (8.0); Bray Wanderers v Kilkenny City, Carlisle Grounds (7.45); Athlone Town v Tullamore, St Mel's Park (7.45); Galway United v Derry City, Terryland Park (7.30); Cobh Ramblers v Limerick, St Colman's Park (8.0); Saturday: Shelbourne v Finn Harps, Tolka Park (7.45); Kildare County v Glebe North, Station Road (7.30); Sunday: Rockmount v Portmarnock, Rockmount Park (3.0), Shamrock Rovers v Carrick United, Richmond Park (3.0), Quay Celtic v Drumcondra, Jim Clancy Park (2.30); Leeds v Longford Town, Turner's Cross (2.30); Wednesday, July 28th: UCD v Cork City - Belfield Park (7:45), Provisional date.