Irish Cup
Encyclopedia
For the equivalent tournament in the Republic of Ireland
, see FAI Cup
.
The Irish Cup is the national cup knock-out competition in Northern Irish football. Inaugurated in 1881, it is the fourth oldest national cup competition in the world. Prior to the break-away from the Irish Football Association
by clubs from what would become the Irish Free State
in 1921, the Irish Cup was the national cup competition for the whole of Ireland
. Linfield are the current holders after beating Crusaders 2-1 in the final.
The Irish Cup is currently sponsored by JJB Sports
. It was previously sponsored by Nationwide Building Society
and Bass Ireland Ltd
.
enjoying “intermediate
” or “senior
” status. Clubs obtain such status by meeting minimum criteria laid down by the Irish Football Association
in respect of facilities, etc. Each club, for example, must have its own enclosed ground. The twelve senior clubs of the IFA Premiership
are exempt until the fifth round, which consists of 32 clubs and is played in January. The twenty-nine members of the IFA Championship enter in the fourth round. The competition begins in September with the first round, and ends with the final in May. In 2009–10, a total of 105 clubs have entered the competition.
The competition format is that of a knock-out. Teams are drawn against each other randomly. The team who is drawn first from each tie is the home team, except in the case of an intermediate team from outside the Championship drawn first against a senior team, when the tie is played at the ground of the senior team. Prior to the fifth round, if the match finishes in a draw, extra time is played and (if necessary) penalties are used to decide the winner. From the fifth round until the seventh round (the quarter-finals), if the match finishes in a draw, there is no extra time and a replay
is played at the ground of the second-drawn team (except in the case of a tie between a senior team and an intermediate team, in which case the replay will always be at the senior team’s ground). In the replay, if the scores are still level at full time, extra time is played and (if necessary) penalties. At the semi-final stage, the two ties are played at neutral venues, with a draw resulting in extra time and penalties as necessary. The final is now traditionally on the first Saturday in May, and is played to a finish, with extra time and penalties as necessary. Since 1996, the final has always been played at Windsor Park
, Belfast
.
Different formats and rules have been used in the past in respect of eligibility to enter the competition, the number of teams and rounds, replays, extra time, penalties, etc., but since its inception in 1881, the competition has always been a randomly-drawn knock-out competition, and has always been, and continues to be, considered the most important such competition in Northern Ireland
(and, prior to 1921, Ireland
), second only to the Irish Premier League
. The Cup Final is the climax of the domestic season in Northern Ireland
and usually attracts the biggest attendance of any club match.
The winners of the Irish Cup qualify to represent Northern Ireland
in the following season’s UEFA Europa League, except when they have also won the Premier League
championship (and thus qualified for the UEFA Champions League
), in which case the losing finalists are entered into the Europa League. Similarly, the winners (or runners-up if the winners have already qualified via the Premier League
) also qualify for the next season’s all-Ireland Setanta Cup.
(from Castledawson
in Co. Londonderry) when they beat Cliftonville (from Belfast
) 1–0 in the final at Cliftonville Cricket Ground, Belfast
on 9 April 1881.
Since the inception of the Irish Football League in 1890-91 (and excluding the First and Second World War years when the League was suspended), the Cup has been won by Irish League teams on every occasion except three famous ‘giant-killing’ occasions when "junior" teams beat senior opponents in the final: in 1928, Willowfield
beat Larne 1–0; in 1955, Dundela
beat Glenavon 3–0; and in 1976, Carrick Rangers
beat Linfield
2–1.
From 1881 to 1921, when the Irish Cup was an all-Ireland competition, southern clubs (from what would become the Irish Free State
and later the Republic of Ireland
) only won the competition four times out of a possible 41: Shelbourne (from Dublin) won three times (in 1906, 1911 and 1920); and Bohemians (also from Dublin) won it in 1908. During this period, southern clubs reached the final 14 times: Bohemians was the first to do so (1895), and played in a total of six finals; Shelbourne also 1897 and the Freebooters (from Dublin) in 1901. There were two all-southern finals: Bohemians defeating Shelbourne in 1908, and Shelbourne defeating Bohemians in 1911 (both ties required replays).
Other Dublin clubs to compete in the Irish Cup were Dublin University
, St. James's Gate F.C., Dublin Association, Tritonville F.C. and Richmond Rovers (Dublin).
In the second competition in 1881–82, Queen's Island became the first Belfast team to win the Cup and the Cup didn't leave Belfast again for another 24 years when Shelbourne became the first team from Dublin to win it in 1905–06. Of the 127 competitions played since 1880–81, Belfast
teams have won the Cup 94 times. The most successful team from outside Belfast
has been Ballymena United, who have won the Cup six times.
The first final to be played outside Belfast
was in 1901, when Cliftonville defeated Freebooters at Jones's Road
, Dublin.
The first final between two teams from outside Belfast
was in 1908, when Bohemians beat Shelbourne.
In 1921, Glenavon became the first team from Co. Armagh to reach the final, but no team from Armagh won the Cup until Glenavon in 1957. Co. Down's first Cup finalists and winners were Ards in 1927; and Co. Antrim's were Ballymena United in 1929. In 2007, Dungannon Swifts became the first team from Co. Tyrone to reach the final.
In the early years, Army
regiments stationed in Ireland entered teams such as Kings Own Rifles (Cork
), three of which reached the final: the Gordon Highlanders in 1890, the Black Watch
(Limerick
) in 1892 and the Sherwood Foresters
(Curragh
, Co. Kildare) in 1897. The Gordon Highlanders was the only Army team to win the Cup.
The longest gap between Irish Cup wins was 70 years between Cliftonville’s wins in 1909 and 1979.
The longest gap between Irish Cup finals was 55 years between Bangor’s appearances in the 1938 and 1993 finals.
Larne have been to the most finals (five) without ever winning.
The highest score recorded in a Cup final was 10–1, when Linfield
defeated Bohemians in 1895.
Over the years, 19 replays have been required, the first in 1890 after Cliftonville and the Gordon Highlanders drew 2–2. On eight occasions, a second replay was required, and the last time this occurred was 1993, when Bangor defeated Ards 1–0 after two 1–1 draws.
It was decided after this that there should only be one replay in which penalties would be used to determine the winner if necessary, and eventually the rules for the final were changed to remove replays altogether, with penalties being used if necessary after extra time in the first match. The first final to be won on penalties was in 2007, when Linfield
beat Dungannon Swifts 3–2 on penalties following a 2–2 draw after extra time.
The final was not played on three occasions:
A total of 21 different teams have won the Irish Cup, and 32 different teams have reached the final.
The most common final has been Glentoran v Linfield
. These teams have played each other in fourteen finals: first in 1899 and most recently in 2006. Linfield
won on eight occasions and Glentoran on six.
On four occasions the same two teams have reached the final in consecutive years: in 1885 and 1886, Distillery and Alexander; in 1913 and 1914, Glentoran and Linfield
; in 1930 and 1931, Ballymena United and Linfield
; and in 2003 and 2004, Coleraine and Glentoran.
Linfield
hold the records for the most wins (39 times between 1891 and 2008), and the most finals (59 between 1891 and 2008).
Glentoran hold the record for the most consecutive wins: four times from 1985 to 1988. Distillery (1884–1886) and Linfield
(1891–1893 and 2006–2008) have each won the Cup three times in a row.
Linfield
hold the record for the most consecutive finals: five times from 1891 to 1895 (equalled between 1912 and 1916, if 1912, when the final was not played, is counted). Four consecutive finals has been achieved four times: Shelbourne from 1905 to 1908; Linfield
from 1960 to 1963 and from 1975 to 1978; and Glentoran from 1985 to 1988. Three consecutive finals has been achieved six times: Cliftonville from 1881 to 1883; Distillery from 1884 to 1886; Ballymena United form 1929 to 1931; Linfield
from 1944 to 1946, and again from 2006 to 2008; and Glenavon
from 1996 to 1998.
Linfield
is the also only team to have lost three finals in a row when they were beaten in the 1975, 1976 and 1977 finals by Coleraine, Carrick Rangers
and Coleraine respectively. They avoided losing four in a row when they defeated Ballymena United 3–1 in the 1978 final. Teams have lost two finals in a row on six occasions: Cliftonville in 1881 and 1882; Alexander in 1885 and 1886; Shelbourne in 1907 and 1908; Glenavon in 1921 and 1922; Ballymena United in 1930 and 1931; and Glentoran in 1942 and 1943.
In 2001, the final was broadcast live on television for the first time, and has been on every occasion since.
Shelbourne, Bohemians and Derry City are the only clubs to win both the Irish Cup and the FAI Cup
.
Windsor Park
has hosted the most finals (64, including replays), followed by The Oval
with 24, Solitude
with 22, Celtic Park
with 12 and Dalymount Park
with 8.
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
, see FAI Cup
FAI Cup
The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland...
.
The Irish Cup is the national cup knock-out competition in Northern Irish football. Inaugurated in 1881, it is the fourth oldest national cup competition in the world. Prior to the break-away from the Irish Football Association
Irish Football Association
The Irish Football Association is the organising body for association football in Northern Ireland, and was historically the governing body for Ireland...
by clubs from what would become the Irish Free State
Irish Free State
The Irish Free State was the state established as a Dominion on 6 December 1922 under the Anglo-Irish Treaty, signed by the British government and Irish representatives exactly twelve months beforehand...
in 1921, the Irish Cup was the national cup competition for the whole of Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
. Linfield are the current holders after beating Crusaders 2-1 in the final.
The Irish Cup is currently sponsored by JJB Sports
JJB Sports
JJB Sports plc is a United Kingdom sports retailer. It currently operates 251 stores in the UK and Ireland.- History :The sportshop chain was founded in 1971, when ex-footballer Dave Whelan acquired a single sports shop in Wigan. The original store was established by JJ Broughton in the early...
. It was previously sponsored by Nationwide Building Society
Nationwide Building Society
Nationwide Building Society is a British building society, and is the largest in the world. It has its headquarters in Swindon, England, and maintains significant administration centres in Bournemouth and Northampton...
and Bass Ireland Ltd
Bass (beer)
The Bass Brewery was founded as a brewery in 1777 by William Bass in Burton upon Trent, England. The main brand was Bass Pale Ale, which was once the highest selling beer in the UK...
.
Format
The competition is open to all clubs in Northern IrelandNorthern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
enjoying “intermediate
Northern Ireland football league system
The Northern Ireland football league system is structured as two series of interconnected football leagues across Northern Ireland.-Structure:...
” or “senior
Northern Ireland football league system
The Northern Ireland football league system is structured as two series of interconnected football leagues across Northern Ireland.-Structure:...
” status. Clubs obtain such status by meeting minimum criteria laid down by the Irish Football Association
Irish Football Association
The Irish Football Association is the organising body for association football in Northern Ireland, and was historically the governing body for Ireland...
in respect of facilities, etc. Each club, for example, must have its own enclosed ground. The twelve senior clubs of the IFA Premiership
IFA Premiership
The IFA Premiership – formerly the Irish Premier League, and before that the Irish Football League–and still known in popular parlance simply as the Irish League, is the national football league in Northern Ireland, and was historically the league for the whole of Ireland. Clubs in the league are...
are exempt until the fifth round, which consists of 32 clubs and is played in January. The twenty-nine members of the IFA Championship enter in the fourth round. The competition begins in September with the first round, and ends with the final in May. In 2009–10, a total of 105 clubs have entered the competition.
The competition format is that of a knock-out. Teams are drawn against each other randomly. The team who is drawn first from each tie is the home team, except in the case of an intermediate team from outside the Championship drawn first against a senior team, when the tie is played at the ground of the senior team. Prior to the fifth round, if the match finishes in a draw, extra time is played and (if necessary) penalties are used to decide the winner. From the fifth round until the seventh round (the quarter-finals), if the match finishes in a draw, there is no extra time and a replay
Replay
Replay may refer to:*Replay , a replayed match in between two sport teams to decide in case of tie or conflict resulting from scoring, officiating, fouling or other factors...
is played at the ground of the second-drawn team (except in the case of a tie between a senior team and an intermediate team, in which case the replay will always be at the senior team’s ground). In the replay, if the scores are still level at full time, extra time is played and (if necessary) penalties. At the semi-final stage, the two ties are played at neutral venues, with a draw resulting in extra time and penalties as necessary. The final is now traditionally on the first Saturday in May, and is played to a finish, with extra time and penalties as necessary. Since 1996, the final has always been played at Windsor Park
Windsor Park
Windsor Park is a football stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland and the home ground of Linfield F.C. and the Northern Ireland national football team. It is also where the Irish Cup and Irish League Cup finals are played.-History:...
, Belfast
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
.
Different formats and rules have been used in the past in respect of eligibility to enter the competition, the number of teams and rounds, replays, extra time, penalties, etc., but since its inception in 1881, the competition has always been a randomly-drawn knock-out competition, and has always been, and continues to be, considered the most important such competition in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
(and, prior to 1921, Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
), second only to the Irish Premier League
Irish Premier League
The IFA Premiership – formerly the Irish Premier League, and before that the Irish Football League–and still known in popular parlance simply as the Irish League, is the national football league in Northern Ireland, and was historically the league for the whole of Ireland. Clubs in the league are...
. The Cup Final is the climax of the domestic season in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
and usually attracts the biggest attendance of any club match.
The winners of the Irish Cup qualify to represent Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
in the following season’s UEFA Europa League, except when they have also won the Premier League
Irish Premier League
The IFA Premiership – formerly the Irish Premier League, and before that the Irish Football League–and still known in popular parlance simply as the Irish League, is the national football league in Northern Ireland, and was historically the league for the whole of Ireland. Clubs in the league are...
championship (and thus qualified for the UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
), in which case the losing finalists are entered into the Europa League. Similarly, the winners (or runners-up if the winners have already qualified via the Premier League
Irish Premier League
The IFA Premiership – formerly the Irish Premier League, and before that the Irish Football League–and still known in popular parlance simply as the Irish League, is the national football league in Northern Ireland, and was historically the league for the whole of Ireland. Clubs in the league are...
) also qualify for the next season’s all-Ireland Setanta Cup.
History and records
The Irish Cup started in the 1880–81 season. The draw for the first round took place on 10 January 1881. The trophy was first awarded to Moyola ParkMoyola Park F.C.
Moyola Park Association Football Club is an intermediate, Northern Irish football club playing in IFA Championship 2. The club, founded in 1880, hails from Castledawson, near Magherafelt, County Londonderry, and plays its home matches at the Mill Meadow, which has an artificial "3G" surface...
(from Castledawson
Castledawson
Castledawson is a village in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is mostly within the townland of Shanemullagh , about four miles from the north-western shore of Lough Neagh, and close to the market town of Magherafelt...
in Co. Londonderry) when they beat Cliftonville (from Belfast
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
) 1–0 in the final at Cliftonville Cricket Ground, Belfast
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
on 9 April 1881.
Since the inception of the Irish Football League in 1890-91 (and excluding the First and Second World War years when the League was suspended), the Cup has been won by Irish League teams on every occasion except three famous ‘giant-killing’ occasions when "junior" teams beat senior opponents in the final: in 1928, Willowfield
Willowfield F.C.
Willowfield is a defunct intermediate football club which existed in Northern Ireland during the inter-war years.In the 1927/28 season, it became the first team from outside the Irish League to win the Irish Cup since the League's formation in 1890. They defeated Larne 1-0 in the final at Windsor...
beat Larne 1–0; in 1955, Dundela
Dundela F.C.
Dundela F.C. is an intermediate, Northern Irish football team from Belfast. It currently plays in IFA Championship 2, and plays its home matches at Wilgar Park, nicknamed "the Hen Run". The club's colours are green and white. The home kit has green shirts, white shorts and green or white socks,...
beat Glenavon 3–0; and in 1976, Carrick Rangers
Carrick Rangers
Carrick Rangers is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club playing in the IFA Premiership. The club, founded in 1939, hails from Carrickfergus County Antrim and plays its home matches at Taylors Avenue. Club colours are amber and black...
beat Linfield
Linfield F.C.
Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team....
2–1.
From 1881 to 1921, when the Irish Cup was an all-Ireland competition, southern clubs (from what would become the Irish Free State
Irish Free State
The Irish Free State was the state established as a Dominion on 6 December 1922 under the Anglo-Irish Treaty, signed by the British government and Irish representatives exactly twelve months beforehand...
and later the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
) only won the competition four times out of a possible 41: Shelbourne (from Dublin) won three times (in 1906, 1911 and 1920); and Bohemians (also from Dublin) won it in 1908. During this period, southern clubs reached the final 14 times: Bohemians was the first to do so (1895), and played in a total of six finals; Shelbourne also 1897 and the Freebooters (from Dublin) in 1901. There were two all-southern finals: Bohemians defeating Shelbourne in 1908, and Shelbourne defeating Bohemians in 1911 (both ties required replays).
Other Dublin clubs to compete in the Irish Cup were Dublin University
Dublin University A.F.C.
Dublin University Association Football Club is the soccer club of Trinity College, Dublin. Founded in 1883, DUAFC is the oldest soccer club in the Republic of Ireland still in existence....
, St. James's Gate F.C., Dublin Association, Tritonville F.C. and Richmond Rovers (Dublin).
In the second competition in 1881–82, Queen's Island became the first Belfast team to win the Cup and the Cup didn't leave Belfast again for another 24 years when Shelbourne became the first team from Dublin to win it in 1905–06. Of the 127 competitions played since 1880–81, Belfast
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
teams have won the Cup 94 times. The most successful team from outside Belfast
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
has been Ballymena United, who have won the Cup six times.
The first final to be played outside Belfast
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
was in 1901, when Cliftonville defeated Freebooters at Jones's Road
Croke Park
Croke Park in Dublin is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association , Ireland's biggest sporting organisation...
, Dublin.
The first final between two teams from outside Belfast
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
was in 1908, when Bohemians beat Shelbourne.
In 1921, Glenavon became the first team from Co. Armagh to reach the final, but no team from Armagh won the Cup until Glenavon in 1957. Co. Down's first Cup finalists and winners were Ards in 1927; and Co. Antrim's were Ballymena United in 1929. In 2007, Dungannon Swifts became the first team from Co. Tyrone to reach the final.
In the early years, Army
British Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
regiments stationed in Ireland entered teams such as Kings Own Rifles (Cork
Cork (city)
Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the island of Ireland's third most populous city. It is the principal city and administrative centre of County Cork and the largest city in the province of Munster. Cork has a population of 119,418, while the addition of the suburban...
), three of which reached the final: the Gordon Highlanders in 1890, the Black Watch
Black Watch
The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland is an infantry battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. The unit's traditional colours were retired in 2011 in a ceremony led by Queen Elizabeth II....
(Limerick
Limerick
Limerick is the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland, and the principal city of County Limerick and Ireland's Mid-West Region. It is the fifth most populous city in all of Ireland. When taking the extra-municipal suburbs into account, Limerick is the third largest conurbation in the...
) in 1892 and the Sherwood Foresters
Sherwood Foresters
The Sherwood Foresters was formed during the Childers Reforms in 1881 from the amalgamation of the 45th Regiment of Foot and the 95th Regiment of Foot...
(Curragh
Curragh
The Curragh is a flat open plain of almost 5,000 acres of common land in County Kildare, Ireland, between Newbridge and Kildare. This area is well-known for Irish horse breeding and training. The Irish National Stud is located on the edge of Kildare town, beside the famous Japanese Gardens. Also...
, Co. Kildare) in 1897. The Gordon Highlanders was the only Army team to win the Cup.
The longest gap between Irish Cup wins was 70 years between Cliftonville’s wins in 1909 and 1979.
The longest gap between Irish Cup finals was 55 years between Bangor’s appearances in the 1938 and 1993 finals.
Larne have been to the most finals (five) without ever winning.
The highest score recorded in a Cup final was 10–1, when Linfield
Linfield F.C.
Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team....
defeated Bohemians in 1895.
Over the years, 19 replays have been required, the first in 1890 after Cliftonville and the Gordon Highlanders drew 2–2. On eight occasions, a second replay was required, and the last time this occurred was 1993, when Bangor defeated Ards 1–0 after two 1–1 draws.
It was decided after this that there should only be one replay in which penalties would be used to determine the winner if necessary, and eventually the rules for the final were changed to remove replays altogether, with penalties being used if necessary after extra time in the first match. The first final to be won on penalties was in 2007, when Linfield
Linfield F.C.
Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team....
beat Dungannon Swifts 3–2 on penalties following a 2–2 draw after extra time.
The final was not played on three occasions:
- In 1912, LinfieldLinfield F.C.Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team....
were awarded the Cup after the other three semi-finalists (Cliftonville, Glentoran and ShelbourneShelbourneShelbourne may refer to :*Shelbourne Hotel; a hotel in the centre of Dublin, Ireland*Shelbourne Development; a real estate development company based out of Dublin, Ireland*Shelbourne Road; a street in Dublin, Ireland...
) resigned from the Irish Football AssociationIrish Football AssociationThe Irish Football Association is the organising body for association football in Northern Ireland, and was historically the governing body for Ireland...
in a dispute over referee's wages. - In 1920, Shelbourne, who had beaten Glenavon in one semi-final, were awarded the Cup after the other semi-final was declared null and void as both of the teams involved were ejected from the competition: Belfast Celtic after Celtic fans fired shots at Glentoran supporters during a riot, and Glentoran for fielding an unlisted player.
- In 1999, Portadown were awarded the Cup when the other finalist, Cliftonville, was ejected from the competition after it was discovered that they had fielded an ineligible player during the earlier rounds.
A total of 21 different teams have won the Irish Cup, and 32 different teams have reached the final.
The most common final has been Glentoran v Linfield
Linfield F.C.
Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team....
. These teams have played each other in fourteen finals: first in 1899 and most recently in 2006. Linfield
Linfield F.C.
Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team....
won on eight occasions and Glentoran on six.
On four occasions the same two teams have reached the final in consecutive years: in 1885 and 1886, Distillery and Alexander; in 1913 and 1914, Glentoran and Linfield
Linfield F.C.
Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team....
; in 1930 and 1931, Ballymena United and Linfield
Linfield F.C.
Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team....
; and in 2003 and 2004, Coleraine and Glentoran.
Linfield
Linfield F.C.
Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team....
hold the records for the most wins (39 times between 1891 and 2008), and the most finals (59 between 1891 and 2008).
Glentoran hold the record for the most consecutive wins: four times from 1985 to 1988. Distillery (1884–1886) and Linfield
Linfield F.C.
Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team....
(1891–1893 and 2006–2008) have each won the Cup three times in a row.
Linfield
Linfield F.C.
Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team....
hold the record for the most consecutive finals: five times from 1891 to 1895 (equalled between 1912 and 1916, if 1912, when the final was not played, is counted). Four consecutive finals has been achieved four times: Shelbourne from 1905 to 1908; Linfield
Linfield F.C.
Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team....
from 1960 to 1963 and from 1975 to 1978; and Glentoran from 1985 to 1988. Three consecutive finals has been achieved six times: Cliftonville from 1881 to 1883; Distillery from 1884 to 1886; Ballymena United form 1929 to 1931; Linfield
Linfield F.C.
Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team....
from 1944 to 1946, and again from 2006 to 2008; and Glenavon
Glenavon F.C.
Glenavon F.C. is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club playing in the IFA Premiership. The club, founded in 1889, hails from Lurgan and plays its home matches at Mourneview Park...
from 1996 to 1998.
Linfield
Linfield F.C.
Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team....
is the also only team to have lost three finals in a row when they were beaten in the 1975, 1976 and 1977 finals by Coleraine, Carrick Rangers
Carrick Rangers
Carrick Rangers is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club playing in the IFA Premiership. The club, founded in 1939, hails from Carrickfergus County Antrim and plays its home matches at Taylors Avenue. Club colours are amber and black...
and Coleraine respectively. They avoided losing four in a row when they defeated Ballymena United 3–1 in the 1978 final. Teams have lost two finals in a row on six occasions: Cliftonville in 1881 and 1882; Alexander in 1885 and 1886; Shelbourne in 1907 and 1908; Glenavon in 1921 and 1922; Ballymena United in 1930 and 1931; and Glentoran in 1942 and 1943.
In 2001, the final was broadcast live on television for the first time, and has been on every occasion since.
Shelbourne, Bohemians and Derry City are the only clubs to win both the Irish Cup and the FAI Cup
FAI Cup
The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland...
.
Windsor Park
Windsor Park
Windsor Park is a football stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland and the home ground of Linfield F.C. and the Northern Ireland national football team. It is also where the Irish Cup and Irish League Cup finals are played.-History:...
has hosted the most finals (64, including replays), followed by The Oval
The Oval (Belfast)
The Oval is a football stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland.The stadium has been home to Glentoran since 1892. Before that the team used Ormeau Park from 1882 to 1886. Then the team shifted to King's Field in Ballymacarrett for four years until 1890. The team's next destination was Musgrave Park...
with 24, Solitude
Solitude (football ground)
Solitude is a football stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is the home ground of Cliftonville. The stadium holds 6,224, but is currently restricted to 2,180 under safety legislation. The stadium was built in 1890....
with 22, Celtic Park
Celtic Park (Belfast)
Celtic Park was a multi-use stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was used mostly for football matches and was the home of Belfast Celtic F.C.. It was also a greyhound racing course. The stadium was able to hold 50,000 spectators at its height...
with 12 and Dalymount Park
Dalymount Park
Dalymount Park is an Irish football stadium situated on Dublin's Northside. It is the home of Bohemian F.C., who have played there since the early 20th century. Affectionately known as 'Dalyer' by fans, it was also historically the "home of Irish football" holding Irish internationals and FAI Cup...
with 8.
Final results
| Season | Date | Winner | Score | Runner-up | Venue | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1880–81 | 09.04.81 | Moyola Park Moyola Park F.C. Moyola Park Association Football Club is an intermediate, Northern Irish football club playing in IFA Championship 2. The club, founded in 1880, hails from Castledawson, near Magherafelt, County Londonderry, and plays its home matches at the Mill Meadow, which has an artificial "3G" surface... |
1 – 0 | Cliftonville | Cliftonville, Belfast | 1,500 |
| 1881–82 | 13.05.82 | Queen's Island | 2 – 1 | Cliftonville | Ulster Ground, Ballynafeigh, Belfast | 2,000 |
| 1882–83 | 5.05.83 | Cliftonville | 5 – 0 | Ulster Ulster F.C. Ulster Football Club is a former Irish football club based in Ballynafeigh, Belfast. It was initially founded in 1877 as a rugby club, but later switched codes to association football. It was subsequently a founding member of the Irish Football League in 1890... |
Bloomfield Ground, Knock, Belfast | 2,000 |
| 1883–84 | 19.04.84 | Distillery | 5 – 0 | Wellington Park | Ulster Ground, Ballynafeigh, Belfast | 2,000 |
| 1884–85 | 21.3.85 | Distillery | 2 – 0 | Limavady | Ulster Ground, Ballynafeigh, Belfast | 2,000 |
| 1885–86 | 27.3.86 | Distillery | 1 – 0 | Limavady | Ulster Ground, Ballynafeigh, Belfast | 1,000 |
| 1886–87 | 12.2.87 | Ulster | 3 – 0 | Cliftonville | Broadway Ground, Belfast | 4,000 |
| 1887–88 | 17.3.88 | Cliftonville | 2 – 1 | Distillery | Ulster Ground, Ballynafeigh, Belfast | 3,000 |
| 1888–89 | 16.03.89 | Distillery | 5 – 4 | YMCA | Ulster Ground, Ballynafeigh, Belfast | 3,500 |
| 1889–90 | 08.03.90 | Gordon Highlanders | 2 – 2 | Cliftonville | Ulster Ground, Ballynafeigh, Belfast | 4,500 |
| Replay | 12.03.90 | Gordon Highlanders | 3 – 1 | Cliftonville | Ulsterville, Belfast | 3,500 |
| 1890–91 | 14.03.91 | Linfield | 4 – 2 | Ulster | Solitude Solitude (football ground) Solitude is a football stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is the home ground of Cliftonville. The stadium holds 6,224, but is currently restricted to 2,180 under safety legislation. The stadium was built in 1890.... , Belfast |
5,000 |
| 1891–92 | 12.03.92 | Linfield Linfield F.C. Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team.... |
7 – 0 | The Black Watch Black Watch The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland is an infantry battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. The unit's traditional colours were retired in 2011 in a ceremony led by Queen Elizabeth II.... |
Solitude, Belfast | |
| 1892–93 | 11.03.93 | Linfield Linfield F.C. Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team.... |
5 – 1 | Cliftonville | Ulsterville, Belfast | |
| 1893–94 | 17.03.94 | Distillery | 2 – 2 | Linfield Linfield F.C. Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team.... |
Solitude, Belfast | 5,500 |
| Replay | 18.04.94 | Distillery | 3 – 2 | Linfield Linfield F.C. Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team.... |
Solitude, Belfast | |
| 1894–95 | 23.03.95 | Linfield Linfield F.C. Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team.... |
10 – 1 | Bohemians Bohemian F.C. Bohemian F.C. , more commonly referred to as Bohemians, is a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. Bohemians compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the third most successful club in League of Ireland football history, having won the League of Ireland title 11... |
Solitude, Belfast | 2,000 |
| 1895–96 | 14.03.96 | Distillery | 3 – 1 | Glentoran | Solitude, Belfast | 6,000 |
| 1896–97 | 20.03.97 | Cliftonville | 3 – 1 | Sherwood Foresters Sherwood Foresters The Sherwood Foresters was formed during the Childers Reforms in 1881 from the amalgamation of the 45th Regiment of Foot and the 95th Regiment of Foot... |
Grosvenor Park, Belfast | 5,000 |
| 1897–98 | 19.03.98 | Linfield Linfield F.C. Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team.... |
2 – 0 | St Columb's Hall Celtic | The Oval The Oval (Belfast) The Oval is a football stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland.The stadium has been home to Glentoran since 1892. Before that the team used Ormeau Park from 1882 to 1886. Then the team shifted to King's Field in Ballymacarrett for four years until 1890. The team's next destination was Musgrave Park... , Belfast |
3,000 |
| 1898–99 | 18.03.99 | Linfield | 2 – 1 | Glentoran | Solitude, Belfast | 7,000 |
| 1899–1900 | 24.03.00 | Cliftonville | 2 – 1 | Bohemians | Grosvenor Park, Belfast | 5,500 |
| 1900–01 | 13.04.01 | Cliftonville | 1 – 0 | Freebooters | Jones's Road Croke Park Croke Park in Dublin is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association , Ireland's biggest sporting organisation... , Dublin |
|
| 1901–02 | 15.03.02 | Linfield Linfield F.C. Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team.... |
5 – 0 | Distillery | Solitude, Belfast | |
| 1902–03 | 14.03.03 | Distillery | 3 – 1 | Bohemians | Dalymount Park Dalymount Park Dalymount Park is an Irish football stadium situated on Dublin's Northside. It is the home of Bohemian F.C., who have played there since the early 20th century. Affectionately known as 'Dalyer' by fans, it was also historically the "home of Irish football" holding Irish internationals and FAI Cup... , Dublin |
|
| 1903–04 | 17.03.04 | Linfield | 5 – 1 | Derry Celtic | Grosvenor Park, Belfast | |
| 1904–05 | 11.03.05 | Distillery | 3 – 0 | Shelbourne | Solitude, Belfast | 13,000 |
| 1905–06 | 28.04.06 | Shelbourne | 2 – 0 | Belfast Celtic | Dalymount Park, Dublin | |
| 1906–07 | 23.03.07 | Cliftonville | 1 – 0 | Shelbourne | Celtic Park Celtic Park (Belfast) Celtic Park was a multi-use stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was used mostly for football matches and was the home of Belfast Celtic F.C.. It was also a greyhound racing course. The stadium was able to hold 50,000 spectators at its height... , Belfast |
|
| Replay | 20.04.07 | Cliftonville | 1 – 0 | Shelbourne | Dalymount Park, Dublin | |
| 1907–08 | 21.03.08 | Bohemians | 1 – 1 | Shelbourne | Dalymount Park, Dublin | |
| Replay | 28.03.08 | Bohemians | 3 – 1 | Shelbourne | Dalymount Park, Dublin | |
| 1908–09 | 03.04.09 | Cliftonville | 0 – 0 | Bohemians | Windsor Park Windsor Park Windsor Park is a football stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland and the home ground of Linfield F.C. and the Northern Ireland national football team. It is also where the Irish Cup and Irish League Cup finals are played.-History:... , Belfast |
|
| Replay | 10.04.09 | Cliftonville | 2 – 1 | Bohemians | Dalymount Park, Dublin | |
| 1909–10 | 26.03.10 | Distillery | 1 – 0 | Cliftonville | The Oval, Belfast | 10,000 |
| 1910–11 | 25.03.11 | Shelbourne | 0 – 0 | Bohemians | Dalymount Park, Dublin | |
| Replay | 15.04.11 | Shelbourne | 2 – 1 | Bohemians | Dalymount Park, Dublin | |
| 1911–12 | Linfield | (Default winner. Other semi-finalists withdrew) | ||||
| 1912–13 | 29.03.13 | Linfield | 2 – 0 | Glentoran | Celtic Park Celtic Park (Belfast) Celtic Park was a multi-use stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was used mostly for football matches and was the home of Belfast Celtic F.C.. It was also a greyhound racing course. The stadium was able to hold 50,000 spectators at its height... |
20,000 |
| 1913–14 | 28.03.14 | Glentoran | 3 – 1 | Linfield | Grosvenor Park, Belfast | 20,000 |
| 1914–15 | 27.03.15 | Linfield | 1 – 0 | Belfast Celtic | Solitude, Belfast | |
| 1915–16 | 25.3.16 | Linfield | 1 – 1 | Glentoran | Celtic Park Celtic Park (Belfast) Celtic Park was a multi-use stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was used mostly for football matches and was the home of Belfast Celtic F.C.. It was also a greyhound racing course. The stadium was able to hold 50,000 spectators at its height... |
|
| Replay | 1.4.16 | Linfield | 1 – 0 | Glentoran | Grosvenor Park, Belfast | |
| 1916–17 | 31.3.17 | Glentoran | 2 – 0 | Belfast Celtic | Windsor Park, Belfast | 20,000 |
| 1917–18 | 30.3.18 | Belfast Celtic | 0 – 0 | Linfield | The Oval, Belfast | |
| Replay | 13.4.18 | Belfast Celtic | 0 – 0 | Linfield | Solitude, Belfast | |
| 2nd replay | 24.4.18 | Belfast Celtic | 2 – 0 | Linfield | Grosvenor Park, Belfast | |
| 1918–19 | 29.03.19 | Linfield | 1 – 1 | Glentoran | Celtic Park, Belfast | 18,000 |
| Replay | 05.04.19 | Linfield | 0 – 0 | Glentoran | Grosvenor Park, Belfast | |
| 2nd replay | 07.04.19 | Linfield | 2 – 1 | Glentoran | Solitude, Belfast | |
| 1919–20 | - | Shelbourne | (final not played) | |||
| 1920–21 | 26.03.21 | Glentoran | 2 – 0 | Glenavon | Windsor Park, Belfast | |
| 1921–22 | 25.03.22 | Linfield | 2 – 0 | Glenavon | Solitude, Belfast | |
| 1922–23 | 31.3.23 | Linfield | 2 – 0 | Glentoran | Solitude, Belfast | |
| 1923–24 | 29.3.24 | Queen's Island | 1 – 0 | Willowfield Willowfield F.C. Willowfield is a defunct intermediate football club which existed in Northern Ireland during the inter-war years.In the 1927/28 season, it became the first team from outside the Irish League to win the Irish Cup since the League's formation in 1890. They defeated Larne 1-0 in the final at Windsor... |
Windsor Park, Belfast | |
| 1924–25 | 21.3.25 | Distillery | 2 – 1 | Glentoran | Solitude, Belfast | 20,000 |
| 1925–26 | 27.3.26 | Belfast Celtic | 3 – 2 | Linfield | Solitude, Belfast | |
| 1926–27 | 26.3.27 | Ards | 3 – 2 | Cliftonville | The Oval, Belfast | |
| 1927–28 | 25.4.28 | Willowfield | 1 – 0 | Larne | Windsor Park, Belfast | |
| 1928–29 | 30.5.29 | Ballymena Ballymena United F.C. Ballymena United, is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club playing in the IFA Premiership. The club hails from the town of Ballymena, County Antrim and plays its home matches at Ballymena Showgrounds. Club colours are sky blue and white. Away Colours are Red and BlackThe club was... |
2 – 1 | Belfast Celtic | Solitude, Belfast | |
| 1929–30 | 29.03.30 | Linfield | 4 – 3 | Ballymena | Celtic Park, Belfast | |
| 1930–31 | 28.03.31 | Linfield | 3 – 0 | Ballymena | The Oval, Belfast | |
| 1931–32 | 26.03.32 | Glentoran | 2 – 1 | Linfield | Celtic Park, Belfast | |
| 1932–33 | 08.04.33 | Glentoran | 1 – 1 | Distillery | Windsor Park, Belfast | 33,000 |
| Replay | 12.04.33 | Glentoran | 1 – 1 | Distillery | Windsor Park, Belfast | 25,000 |
| 2nd replay | 28.04.33 | Glentoran | 3 – 1 | Distillery | Windsor Park, Belfast | |
| 1933–34 | 14.04.34 | Linfield | 4 – 0 | Cliftonville | The Oval, Belfast | |
| 1934–35 | 06.04.35 | Glentoran | 0 – 0 | Larne | Windsor Park, Belfast | 15,000 |
| Replay | 10.04.35 | Glentoran | 0 – 0 | Larne | Windsor Park, Belfast | |
| 2nd replay | 30.04.35 | Glentoran | 1 – 0 | Larne | Windsor Park, Belfast | 10,545 |
| 1935–36 | 04.04.36 | Linfield | 0 – 0 | Derry City | Celtic Park, Belfast | |
| Replay | 08.04.36 | Linfield | 2 – 0 | Derry City | Celtic Park, Belfast | |
| 1936–37 | 10.04.37 | Belfast Celtic | 3 – 0 | Linfield | The Oval, Belfast | |
| 1937–38 | 09.04.38 | Belfast Celtic | 0 – 0 | Bangor | Solitude, Belfast | |
| Replay | 07.05.38 | Belfast Celtic | 2 – 0 | Bangor | Solitude, Belfast | |
| 1938–39 | 29.04.39 | Linfield | 2 – 0 | Ballymena United | Solitude, Belfast | |
| 1939–40 | 20.04.40 | Ballymena United | 2 – 0 | Glenavon | Windsor Park, Belfast | |
| 1940–41 | 26.04.41 | Belfast Celtic | 1 – 0 | Linfield | Windsor Park, Belfast | 12,000 |
| 1941–42 | 18.04.42 | Linfield | 3 – 1 | Glentoran | Celtic Park, Belfast | |
| 1942–43 | 17.04.43 | Belfast Celtic | 1 – 0 | Glentoran | Windsor Park, Belfast | |
| 1943–44 | 17.04.44 | Belfast Celtic | 3 – 1 | Linfield | Windsor Park, Belfast | |
| 1944–45 | 14.04.45 | Linfield | 4 – 2 | Glentoran | Celtic Park, Belfast | 20,000 |
| 1945–46 | 13.04.46 | Linfield | 3 – 0 | Distillery | Celtic Park Celtic Park (Belfast) Celtic Park was a multi-use stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was used mostly for football matches and was the home of Belfast Celtic F.C.. It was also a greyhound racing course. The stadium was able to hold 50,000 spectators at its height... , Belfast |
20,137 |
| 1946–47 | 26.04.47 | Belfast Celtic | 1 – 0 | Glentoran | Windsor Park, Belfast | 25,000 |
| 1947–48 | Linfield | 3 – 0 | Coleraine | Celtic Park, Belfast | 31,000 | |
| 1948–49 | 16.04.49 | Derry City | 1 – 0 | Glentoran | Windsor Park, Belfast | 27,000 |
| 1949–50 | 22.04.50 | Linfield | 2 – 1 | Distillery | Windsor Park, Belfast | 17,000 |
| 1950–51 | 28.04.51 | Glentoran | 3 – 1 | Ballymena United | Windsor Park, Belfast | 25,000 |
| 1951–52 | 26.04.52 | Ards | 1 – 0 | Glentoran | Windsor Park, Belfast | 20,000 |
| 1952–53 | Linfield | 5 – 0 | Coleraine | Solitude, Belfast | 21,000 | |
| 1953–54 | 24.04.54 | Derry City | 2 – 2 | Glentoran | Windsor Park, Belfast | 35,000 |
| Replay | 29.04.54 | Derry City | 0 – 0 | Glentoran | Windsor Park, Belfast | 28,000 |
| 2nd replay | 10.05.54 | Derry City | 1 – 0 | Glentoran | Windsor Park, Belfast | 28,000 |
| 1954–55 | 23.04.55 | Dundela | 3 – 0 | Glenavon | Windsor Park, Belfast | 10,000 |
| 1955–56 | 21.04.56 | Distillery | 2 – 2 | Glentoran | Windsor Park, Belfast | 16,000 |
| Replay | 26.04.56 | Distillery | 0 – 0 | Glentoran | Windsor Park, Belfast | |
| 2nd replay | 30.04.56 | Distillery | 1 – 0 | Glentoran | Windsor Park, Belfast | 20,000 |
| 1956–57 | 13.04.57 | Glenavon | 2 – 0 | Derry City | Windsor Park, Belfast | 23,000 |
| 1957–58 | Ballymena United | 2 – 0 | Linfield | The Oval, Belfast | 24,000 | |
| 1958–59 | 18.04.59 | Glenavon | 1 – 1 | Ballymena United | Windsor Park, Belfast | 18,000 |
| Replay | 29.04.59 | Glenavon | 2 – 0 | Ballymena United | Windsor Park, Belfast | |
| 1959–60 | Linfield | 5 – 1 | Ards | The Oval, Belfast | 20,000 | |
| 1960–61 | 22.04.61 | Glenavon | 5 – 1 | Linfield | Solitude, Belfast | 22,000 |
| 1961–62 | 14.04.62 | Linfield | 4 – 0 | Portadown | The Oval, Belfast | 20,000 |
| 1962–63 | 20.04.63 | Linfield | 2 – 1 | Distillery | The Oval, Belfast | 20,000 |
| 1963–64 | 25.04.64 | Derry City | 2 – 0 | Glentoran | Windsor Park, Belfast | 19,000 |
| 1964–65 | 24.04.65 | Coleraine | 2 – 1 | Glenavon | Windsor Park, Belfast | 18,000 |
| 1965–66 | 23.04.66 | Glentoran | 2 – 0 | Linfield | The Oval, Belfast | 20,000 |
| 1966–67 | 22.04.67 | Crusaders | 3 – 1 | Glentoran | Windsor Park, Belfast | 20,000 |
| 1967–68 | 27.04.68 | Crusaders | 2 – 0 | Linfield | The Oval, Belfast | 18,000 |
| 1968–69 | 19.04.69 | Ards | 0 – 0 | Distillery | Windsor Park, Belfast | 17,000 |
| Replay | 23.04.69 | Ards | 4 – 2 | Distillery | Windsor Park, Belfast | 16,000 |
| 1969–70 | 04.04.70 | Linfield | 2 – 1 | Ballymena United | Solitude, Belfast | 12,000 |
| 1970–71 | 03.04.71 | Distillery | 3 – 0 | Derry City | Windsor Park, Belfast | 6,000 |
| 1971–72 | 22.04.72 | Coleraine | 2 – 1 | Portadown | Windsor Park, Belfast | 8,000 |
| 1972–73 | 28.04.73 | Glentoran | 3 – 2 | Linfield | Windsor Park, Belfast | 12,000 |
| 1973–74 | 27.04.74 | Ards | 2 – 1 | Ballymena United | Windsor Park, Belfast | 7,000 |
| 1974–75 | 19.04.75 | Coleraine | 1 – 1 | Linfield | The Showgrounds Ballymena Showgrounds The Ballymena Showgrounds is a football stadium in Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is home to Ballymena United F.C.. It is owned by Ballymena Borough Council... , Ballymena |
5,600 |
| Replay | 23.04.75 | Coleraine | 0 – 0 | Linfield | The Showgrounds, Ballymena | 5,400 |
| 2nd replay | 29.04.75 | Coleraine | 1 – 0 | Linfield | The Showgrounds, Ballymena | 5,200 |
| 1975–76 | 10.04.76 | Carrick Rangers Carrick Rangers Carrick Rangers is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club playing in the IFA Premiership. The club, founded in 1939, hails from Carrickfergus County Antrim and plays its home matches at Taylors Avenue. Club colours are amber and black... |
2 – 1 | Linfield | The Oval, Belfast | 9,500 |
| 1976–77 | Coleraine | 4 – 1 | Linfield | The Oval, Belfast | 10,000 | |
| 1977–78 | 29.04.78 | Linfield | 3 – 1 | Ballymena United | The Oval, Belfast | 12,000 |
| 1978–79 | Cliftonville | 3 – 2 | Portadown | Windsor Park, Belfast | 15,000 | |
| 1979–80 | 26.04.80 | Linfield | 2 – 0 | Crusaders | The Oval, Belfast | 12,000 |
| 1980–81 | 02.05.81 | Ballymena United | 1 – 0 | Glenavon | Windsor Park, Belfast | 6,000 |
| 1981–82 | 24.04.82 | Linfield | 2 – 1 | Coleraine | The Oval, Belfast | 12,000 |
| 1982–83 | 30.04.83 | Glentoran | 1 – 1 | Linfield | Windsor Park, Belfast | 12,000 |
| Replay | 07.05.83 | Glentoran | 2 – 1 | Linfield | The Oval, Belfast | 8,000 |
| 1983–84 | 05.05.84 | Ballymena United | 4 – 1 | Carrick Rangers | Windsor Park, Belfast | 5,000 |
| 1984–85 | 04.05.85 | Glentoran | 1 – 1 | Linfield | The Oval, Belfast | 12,000 |
| Replay | 11.05.85 | Glentoran | 1 – 0 | Linfield | Windsor Park, Belfast | 12,000 |
| 1985–86 | 03.05.86 | Glentoran | 2 – 1 | Coleraine | Windsor Park, Belfast | 8,000 |
| 1986–87 | 02.05.87 | Glentoran | 1 – 0 | Larne | Windsor Park, Belfast | 8,000 |
| 1987–88 | 30.04.88 | Glentoran | 1 – 0 | Glenavon | Windsor Park, Belfast | 10,000 |
| 1988–89 | 06.05.89 | Ballymena United | 1 – 0 | Larne | The Oval, Belfast | 5,000 |
| 1989–90 | 05.05.90 | Glentoran | 3 – 0 | Portadown | Windsor Park, Belfast | 12,000 |
| 1990–91 | 04.05.91 | Portadown | 2 – 1 | Glenavon | Windsor Park, Belfast | 12,000 |
| 1991–92 | 02.05.92 | Glenavon | 2 – 1 | Linfield | The Oval, Belfast | 12,000 |
| 1992–93 | 01.05.93 | Bangor | 1 – 1 (aet) | Ards | Windsor Park, Belfast | 8,500 |
| Replay | 08.05.93 | Bangor | 1 – 1 (aet) | Ards | Windsor Park, Belfast | 6,000 |
| 2nd replay | 11.05.93 | Bangor | 1 – 0 | Ards | Windsor Park, Belfast | 5,000 |
| 1993–94 | 07.05.94 | Linfield | 2 – 0 | Bangor | The Oval, Belfast Belfast Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly... |
10,000 |
| 1994–95 | 06.05.95 | Linfield | 3 – 1 | Carrick Rangers | The Oval, Belfast | 6,800 |
| 1995–96 | 04.05.96 | Glentoran | 1 – 0 | Glenavon | Windsor Park, Belfast | 10,000 |
| 1996–97 | 03.05.97 | Glenavon | 1 – 0 | Cliftonville | Windsor Park, Belfast | 8,222 |
| 1997–98 | 02.05.98 | Glentoran | 1 – 0 (aet) | Glenavon | Windsor Park, Belfast | 8,250 |
| 1998–99 | n–a | Portadown | w–o | Cliftonville (disqualified) | ||
| 1999–00 | 06.05.00 | Glentoran | 1 – 0 | Portadown | Windsor Park, Belfast | 8,355 |
| 2000–01 | 05.05.01 | Glentoran | 1 – 0 (aet) | Linfield | Windsor Park, Belfast | 14,190 |
| 2001–02 | 11.05.02 | Linfield | 2 – 1 | Portadown | Windsor Park, Belfast | 11,129 |
| 2002–03 | 03.05.03 | Coleraine | 1 – 0 | Glentoran | Windsor Park, Belfast | 9,000 |
| 2003–04 | 01.05.04 | Glentoran | 1 – 0 | Coleraine | Windsor Park, Belfast | 8,300 |
| 2004–05 | 07.05.05 | Portadown | 5 – 1 | Larne | Windsor Park, Belfast | 5,431 |
| 2005–06 | 06.05.06 | Linfield | 2 – 1 | Glentoran | Windsor Park, Belfast | 12,500 |
| 2006–07 | 05.05.07 | Linfield | 2 – 2 (aet) (3 – 2 on pens) |
Dungannon Swifts | Windsor Park, Belfast | 7,600 |
| 2007–08 | 03.05.08 | Linfield Linfield F.C. Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team.... |
2 – 1 | Coleraine | Windsor Park Windsor Park Windsor Park is a football stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland and the home ground of Linfield F.C. and the Northern Ireland national football team. It is also where the Irish Cup and Irish League Cup finals are played.-History:... , Belfast |
8,452 |
| 2008–09 | 09.05.09 | Crusaders | 1 – 0 | Cliftonville | Windsor Park Windsor Park Windsor Park is a football stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland and the home ground of Linfield F.C. and the Northern Ireland national football team. It is also where the Irish Cup and Irish League Cup finals are played.-History:... , Belfast |
8,000 |
| 2009–10 | 08.05.10 | Linfield Linfield F.C. Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team.... |
2 – 1 | Portadown Portadown F.C. Portadown F.C. is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club which plays in the IFA Premiership.The club was founded in the late 1880s and joined the Irish League in 1924. It is based in Portadown in County Armagh and plays its home games at Shamrock Park... |
Windsor Park Windsor Park Windsor Park is a football stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland and the home ground of Linfield F.C. and the Northern Ireland national football team. It is also where the Irish Cup and Irish League Cup finals are played.-History:... , Belfast |
|
| 2010–11 2010–11 Irish Cup The 2010–11 Irish Cup was the cup's 131st edition since its introduction and the 89th time that the trophy was presented to the winners of the annual knock-out competition in Northern Ireland... |
07.05.11 | Linfield Linfield F.C. Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team.... |
2 – 1 | Crusaders Crusaders F.C. Crusaders Football Club is a semi-professional, Northern Irish association football club, playing in the IFA Premiership. The club, founded in 1898, hails from Belfast and plays its home matches at Seaview. Club colours are red and black. The current manager is Stephen Baxter, appointed in 2005... |
Windsor Park Windsor Park Windsor Park is a football stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland and the home ground of Linfield F.C. and the Northern Ireland national football team. It is also where the Irish Cup and Irish League Cup finals are played.-History:... , Belfast Belfast Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly... |
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Performance By Club
| Club | Winners | Runners-up | Winning Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linfield Linfield F.C. Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team.... |
41 | 20 | 1890–91, 1891–92, 1892–93, 1894–95, 1897–98, 1898–99, 1901–02, 1903–04, 1911–12, 1912–13, 1914–15, 1915–16, 1918–19, 1921–22, 1922–23, 1929–30, 1930–31, 1933–34, 1935–36, 1938–39, 1941–42, 1944–45, 1945–46, 1947–48, 1949–50, 1952–53, 1959–60, 1961–62, 1962–63, 1969–70, 1977–78, 1979–80, 1981–82, 1993–94, 1994–95, 2001–02, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2009–10, 2010-11 2010–11 Irish Cup The 2010–11 Irish Cup was the cup's 131st edition since its introduction and the 89th time that the trophy was presented to the winners of the annual knock-out competition in Northern Ireland... |
| Glentoran Glentoran F.C. Glentoran F.C. is a semi-professional, football club in Northern Ireland. The club was founded in 1882 and plays its home games at the Oval in east Belfast. Club colours are green, red, and black.Glentoran's biggest rivals are Linfield... |
20 | 19 | 1913–14, 1916–17, 1920–21, 1931–32, 1932–33, 1934–35, 1950–51, 1965–66, 1972–73, 1982–83, 1984–85, 1985–86, 1986–87, 1987–88, 1989–90, 1995–96, 1997–98, 1999–00, 2000–01, 2003–04 |
| Distillery Lisburn Distillery F.C. Lisburn Distillery is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club playing in the IFA Premiership. The club, founded in 1880, originated in west Belfast, where it was based at Grosvenor Park at Distillery Street off the Grosvenor Road until 1971... |
12 | 7 | 1883–84, 1884–85, 1885–86, 1888–89, 1893–94, 1895–96, 1902–03, 1904–05, 1909–10, 1924–25, 1955–56, 1970–71 |
| Cliftonville Cliftonville F.C. Cliftonville Football & Athletic Club is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club playing in the IFA Premiership. Founded on 20 September 1879 by John McCredy McAlery in the suburb of Cliftonville in north Belfast, it is the oldest football club in Ireland and celebrated its 130th... |
8 | 9 | 1882–83, 1887–88, 1896–97, 1899–00, 1900–01, 1906–07, 1908–09, 1978–79 |
| Belfast Celtic | 8 | 4 | 1917–18, 1925–26, 1936–37, 1937–38, 1940–41, 1942–43, 1943–44, 1946–47 |
| Ballymena United Ballymena United F.C. Ballymena United, is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club playing in the IFA Premiership. The club hails from the town of Ballymena, County Antrim and plays its home matches at Ballymena Showgrounds. Club colours are sky blue and white. Away Colours are Red and BlackThe club was... |
6 | 8 | 1928–29, 1939–40, 1957–58, 1980–81, 1983–84, 1988–89 |
| Glenavon Glenavon F.C. Glenavon F.C. is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club playing in the IFA Premiership. The club, founded in 1889, hails from Lurgan and plays its home matches at Mourneview Park... |
5 | 10 | 1956–57, 1958–59, 1960–61, 1991–92, 1996–97 |
| Coleraine Coleraine F.C. Coleraine F.C. is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, playing in the IFA Premiership. The club, founded in 1927, hails from Coleraine, County Londonderry and plays its home matches at the Showgrounds. Club colours are blue and white... |
5 | 6 | 1964–65, 1971–72, 1974–75, 1976–77, 2002–03 |
| Ards Ards F.C. Ards F.C. is an intermediate, Northern Irish football club playing in IFA Championship 1. The club, founded in 1900, is from Newtownards, but plays its home matches at Dixon Park in Ballyclare, which it shares with Ballyclare Comrades... |
4 | 2 | 1926–27, 1951–52, 1968–69, 1973–74 |
| Portadown Portadown F.C. Portadown F.C. is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club which plays in the IFA Premiership.The club was founded in the late 1880s and joined the Irish League in 1924. It is based in Portadown in County Armagh and plays its home games at Shamrock Park... |
3 | 7 | 1990–91, 1998–99, 2004–05 |
| Derry City Derry City F.C. Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division... |
3 | 3 | 1948–49, 1953–54, 1963–64 |
| Shelbourne Shelbourne F.C. Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division.... |
3 | 3 | 1905–06, 1910–11, 1919–20 |
| Crusaders Crusaders F.C. Crusaders Football Club is a semi-professional, Northern Irish association football club, playing in the IFA Premiership. The club, founded in 1898, hails from Belfast and plays its home matches at Seaview. Club colours are red and black. The current manager is Stephen Baxter, appointed in 2005... |
3 | 2 | 1966–67, 1967–68, 2008–09 |
| Queen's Island Queens Island F.C. Queen's Island was a football club from Belfast, Northern Ireland.The team was champion of the Irish League for the 1923/24 season and winner of the Irish Cup in 1882 and 1924.-A brief history:... |
2 | – | 1881–82, 1923–24 |
| Bohemians | 1 | 5 | 1907–08 |
| Bangor Bangor F.C. Bangor Football Club is an intermediate, Northern Irish football club playing in IFA Championship 1. The club, founded in 1918, hails from Bangor and plays its home matches at Clandeboye Park. Club colours are gold and royal blue... |
1 | 2 | 1992–93 |
| Carrick Rangers Carrick Rangers Carrick Rangers is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club playing in the IFA Premiership. The club, founded in 1939, hails from Carrickfergus County Antrim and plays its home matches at Taylors Avenue. Club colours are amber and black... |
1 | 2 | 1975–76 |
| Ulster Ulster F.C. Ulster Football Club is a former Irish football club based in Ballynafeigh, Belfast. It was initially founded in 1877 as a rugby club, but later switched codes to association football. It was subsequently a founding member of the Irish Football League in 1890... |
1 | 2 | 1886–87 |
| Willowfield Willowfield F.C. Willowfield is a defunct intermediate football club which existed in Northern Ireland during the inter-war years.In the 1927/28 season, it became the first team from outside the Irish League to win the Irish Cup since the League's formation in 1890. They defeated Larne 1-0 in the final at Windsor... |
1 | 1 | 1927–28 |
| Dundela Dundela F.C. Dundela F.C. is an intermediate, Northern Irish football team from Belfast. It currently plays in IFA Championship 2, and plays its home matches at Wilgar Park, nicknamed "the Hen Run". The club's colours are green and white. The home kit has green shirts, white shorts and green or white socks,... |
1 | – | 1954–55 |
| Gordon Highlanders | 1 | – | 1889–90 |
| Moyola Park Moyola Park F.C. Moyola Park Association Football Club is an intermediate, Northern Irish football club playing in IFA Championship 2. The club, founded in 1880, hails from Castledawson, near Magherafelt, County Londonderry, and plays its home matches at the Mill Meadow, which has an artificial "3G" surface... |
1 | – | 1880–81 |
| Larne Larne F.C. Larne F.C. is an intermediate, Northern Irish football club playing in IFA Championship 1. The club, founded in 1889, hails from Larne and plays its home matches at Inver Park. Club colours are red and white... |
– | 5 | – |
| Derry Celtic Derry Celtic F.C. Derry Celtic Football Club was a football club from Derry, Ireland. The club, formed as St Columb's Hall in 1890, changing to St Columb's Hall Celtic in 1893 after amalgamating with other Derry clubs Rosemount, Clooney Park and Ivy, and Derry Celtic in 1900, was once the primary team in the city,... |
– | 2 | – |
| Limavady United | – | 2 | – |
| The Black Watch (Limerick Limerick Limerick is the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland, and the principal city of County Limerick and Ireland's Mid-West Region. It is the fifth most populous city in all of Ireland. When taking the extra-municipal suburbs into account, Limerick is the third largest conurbation in the... ) |
– | 1 | – |
| Dungannon Swifts Dungannon Swifts F.C. Dungannon Swifts F.C. is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club playing in the IFA Premiership. The club, founded in 1949, has risen from the Mid-Ulster league to the top tier in Northern Ireland since its election to the Irish League First Division in 1997... |
– | 1 | – |
| Freebooters Freebooters F.C. Freebooters F.C were an association football from Sandymount, Dublin, Ireland. Their highest achievement was reaching the Irish Cup final which was staged at the City and County Grounds, Jones Road, Dublin, now Croke Park. They lost to Cliftonville F.C., in the first Irish Cup final to be played... (Dublin) |
– | 1 | – |
| Sherwood Foresters Sherwood Foresters The Sherwood Foresters was formed during the Childers Reforms in 1881 from the amalgamation of the 45th Regiment of Foot and the 95th Regiment of Foot... |
– | 1 | – |
| Wellington Park | – | 1 | – |
| YMCA | – | 1 | – |