Shamrock Rovers drawn at St Patrick's Athletic in FAI Cup third round

Shamrock Rovers have been handed a tricky FAI Cup third-round tie away to St Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park on 16 August. The Hoops, who sit top of the Premier Division with a three-point cushion, will face Stephen Bradley’s side in a clash that could shape their cup run.

What’s the draw for Shamrock Rovers?

The draw paired Shamrock Rovers with St Patrick’s Athletic in the third round of the FAI Cup. The game is scheduled for the weekend ending Sunday, 16 August, and will be played at Richmond Park. The Hoops, who finished the 2025 season as Premier Division champions, now face a stern early test in the cup.

Shamrock Rovers currently lead the Premier Division with 66 points from 36 games, 19 wins, nine draws and eight losses. Their goal difference stands at +23, with 56 goals scored and 33 conceded. The side has lost their last two matches, including a 0-1 defeat to Derry City on 31 January 2026.

Why does this tie matter for the Hoops?

For Shamrock Rovers, the FAI Cup is a chance to add another trophy to the cabinet. The Hoops are three points clear of Derry City at the top of the Premier Division, but the cup offers a different kind of silverware. A run deep into the competition would boost morale and give manager Stephen Bradley another chance to rotate his squad.

The clash with St Patrick’s Athletic is also a local derby, adding extra spice. Richmond Park will be packed, and the Hoops will need to bring their best to avoid an early exit. The last meeting between the sides ended in a draw, so both teams will know what’s at stake.

What’s next for Shamrock Rovers?

Shamrock Rovers’ next step is to prepare for the trip to Richmond Park. The Hoops have a busy schedule ahead, with league games and European ties still to come. Bradley will be looking to steady the ship after the recent losses and turn his side’s form around before the cup tie.

The FAI Cup third round ties are set for 16 August, with the draw already complete. For the Hoops, the focus shifts to recovery and sharpening up for the clash in Dublin. The race for the Premier Division title remains tight, but the cup is another chance to stamp their authority on Irish football.

Shamrock Rovers sit first in the Premier Division with 66 points from 36 games, three points clear of Derry City. They have scored 56 goals and conceded 33, with a recent run of one win and four losses in their last five outings.