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 4–1 in the 2012 final.
The Irish Cup is currently sponsored by JJB Sports. It was previously sponsored by Nationwide Building Society and Bass Ireland Ltd.
Read more about Irish Cup: Format, History, Records, Final Results
Famous quotes containing the words irish and/or cup:
“The Irish say your trouble is their
trouble and your
joy their joy? I wish
I could believe it;
I am troubled, I’m dissatisfied, I’m Irish.”
—Marianne Moore (1887–1972)
“It is surely easier to confess a murder over a cup of coffee than in front of a jury.”
—Friedrich Dürrenmatt (1921–1990)