FAI Cup Third Round: Fixtures, Dates, TV and Predictions

The FAI Cup reaches the last 16 this weekend, with eight ties across Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August 2026 and plenty of opportunities for an upset. Before looking at the matches, Irish bettors can compare the latest free bets available in Ireland if they plan to have an interest in the Third Round.

The headline fixture is at Richmond Park, where St Patrick’s Athletic host defending champions Shamrock Rovers in an all-Dublin clash. There are also two non-league sides still standing, while Kerry return to Sligo after producing one of the competition’s most memorable comebacks last season.

FAI Cup Third Round fixtures, dates and TV schedule

*College Corinthians v Drogheda United remains provisional and subject to change. Looking for football markets this weekend? Compare the options in our football betting in Ireland guide.

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FAI Cup Third Round predictions

Cup football rarely follows league tables perfectly, but the Premier Division standings provide a useful starting point. Shamrock Rovers lead the table on 51 points, St Patrick’s Athletic and Bohemians have 44, while Sligo Rovers sit bottom on 22.

Galway United v Bray Wanderers

Bray have enough attacking threat to make this awkward, but Galway’s home advantage could prove decisive in a tie that looks tighter than the divisional gap might suggest.

UCD v Derry City

UCD are rarely an easy opponent at the Bowl, but Derry should possess the stronger squad over 90 minutes. Derry also arrive on the back of a 2-0 Premier Division victory over Sligo Rovers.

Waterford v Athlone Town

Waterford have produced an encouraging run of results, including league wins over Dundalk, Derry City and Shelbourne in recent weeks. Athlone can make the contest competitive, but this is one of the stronger home-favourite angles of the round.

College Corinthians v Drogheda United

College Corinthians have already provided plenty of cup entertainment, winning 5-4 away to Bangor Celtic in the previous round. Drogheda’s top-flight experience should eventually make the difference, although this is exactly the sort of tie where an early goal for the underdogs can completely alter the mood.

Dundalk v Castlebar Celtic

Castlebar Celtic deserve their day at Oriel Park after eliminating Douglas Hall, but the jump in standard is considerable. Dundalk sit fourth in the Premier Division and should have enough depth to avoid a major shock at home.

Sligo Rovers v Kerry

This may be the most dangerous tie on the coupon for anyone automatically backing the Premier Division side. Sligo currently sit bottom of the Premier Division, while Kerry have already produced a major cup result this year by knocking out Shelbourne on penalties. Kerry also beat Bray 4-0 away from home on 31 July, another indication that they are capable of causing problems on the road.

St Patrick’s Athletic v Shamrock Rovers: odds and betting angles

The tie of the round also produces the most interesting betting market. Shamrock Rovers are the Premier Division leaders and defending cup champions, but St Pat’s have Richmond Park behind them and Rovers have a European qualifier scheduled for Thursday 13 August, only three days before this Sunday afternoon derby.

The early 1X2 prices underline how little there is between them.

*Prices checked on 13 August 2026 and subject to change before kick-off. A live odds comparison listed Betfair at approximately 2.40 for St Pat’s, 3.20 for the draw and 2.63 for Shamrock Rovers.

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St Patrick’s Athletic v Shamrock Rovers - Draw

3.20

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Our FAI Cup Third Round picks at a glance