They could scarcely have planned it better. Holders Dundalk first out of the drum to face cup specialists Shamrock Rovers in the second round of the FAI Carlsberg Cup.

By way of excitement, it could only go downhill after that and so it proved with none of the other 15 ties leaving you rubbing your hands in anticipation.

Last year's beaten finalists Bohemians will be happy with a home draw against Leinster Senior League side Garda while Shelbourne, also drawn at home, shouldn't be unduly troubled by Cork's top intermediate club Rockmount.

Elsewhere, you are clutching at straws to pick out a potential shock with Limerick junior side Fairview Rangers at home to Dublin City and Malahide United against Cobh Ramblers the games that stand out in that regard.

Glenmore/Dundrum will be happy having been drawn at home to Premier Division Cork City, a tinge of disappointment being that it wasn't one of the top Dublin sides.

"We didn't expect to get it that big," said Dundalk chairman Des Denning of his club's first defence of their trophy against Rovers. "But when you do get it big why not get it as big as possible."

Alan Matthews was last night confirmed as the new manager of Longford Town on a two-year part-time contract. Dermot Keely's former right-hand man at Shelbourne, Matthews joined Longford in the close season as assistant to Martin Lawlor who was sacked a fortnight ago.