It took extra-time but Shamrock Rovers overcame a gallant Cork City with the 26-time winners and holders advancing to the third round.
The draw will be held on RTÉ Radio One’s “Inside Sport” on Tuesday evening.
Najamendine Razi’s screamer moments into the second half gave the home side the lead, which was cancelled out by a Ruairi Keating penalty which took the game beyond the 90 minutes,
Another penalty, converted by John McGovern, early in the first period of extra-time, another goal for the sub in the second and the 4th from Maxim Kovalevskis wrapped up victory
Both sides changed their line ups from recent games, with no Graham Burke in the Rovers starting side as Jack Byrne and Lee Grace were benched with Stephen Bradley balancing Cup and European commitments
Grace though replaced Cape Verde International Roberto Lopez at the break
Cork had captain Rory Feely back in defence in a lineup that included 37-year-old Rover’s old boy Greg Bolger while Keating was in as the experienced striker who scored the winner the last time Cork beat Shamrock Rovers, a 1-0 victory at Turner’s Cross in May 2023.
Cork got an early sight of goal in the second minute as Bolger’s flat corner saw Charlie Lyons get across the home defence, but leaning back Lyons scooped a decent chance over the bar.
Rovers settled and they almost hit the front from a corner of their own in the 8th minute as Razi’s ball fell to Cian Barrett, the son of former Republic of Ireland international Graham Barrett, from a loose header in the area, but Barrett’s shot through a ruck of players was brilliantly saved by Conor Brann
Midway through the half, Cork had a wonderful chance to take the lead as Hans Mpongo kept himself onside in his own half before galloping into the Rovers half, but he lacked the confidence to shoot and eventually was crowed out as Ed McGinty saved at his feet.
Just before the half hour a poor defensive header by Tunmise Sobowale fell to Keating whose volley, first time, was saved one handed by Ginty, low to the keepers right.
Both keepers were busy in the opening period and Brann had to be smart to save a stinging shot by Kovalevskis at his near post late on as it remained scoreless at the break.
But the second half was only a minute old when the home side hit the front as Razi was allowed far too much time and space to measure up a shot from outside the area, which flew past the outstretched hand of Brann, who was less than please that his defenders had failed to close down the goalscorer.
However, City were level in the 53rd minute, as Keating cooly converted from the penalty spot after Luke O’Regan had brought down Darragh Crowley, much to the delight of the small band of travelling City support in the East Stand.
The open nature of the game continued as Barrett again brought out the best in Brann with a thumping goal-bound shot just past the hour mark.
But despite constant home pressure, Rovers couldn’t score in normal time with sub Lloyd Asamoah Jnr. flashing a shot past the post which would have settled the tie with seconds remaining.
Asamoah was then brought down in the 93 minute by substitute Donal O’Connor as McGovern converted the resultant penalty despite Brann getting a strong hand to it, but couldn’t prevent it from hitting the net
McGovern got his second and his sides third rounding Brann in the 112th minute with Kovalevskis wrapping up the scoring late on as the Rebels search for an 8th FAI cup success continued.
Shamrock Rovers: Ed McGinty, Enda Stevens, Roberto Lopes (c) (Lee Grace 45), Tunmise Sobowale (Maleace Asamoah 63 ), Matt Healy (John O’Sullivan 76) , Luke O’Regan, Cian Barrett (Adam Brennan 76), Maxim Kovalevskis, Najamendine Razi, Aaron Greene (Jack Byrne 91), Michael Noonan (John McGovern 76) .
Cork City: Conor Brann, Rory Feely © (Harry Nevin 96) Charlie Lyons (Donal O’Connor 90, Fiacre Kelleher, Cian Drinan; Greg Bolger (Joe Aidoo 104), Jack Fitzpatrick (Niall O’Keeffe 59) ; Darragh Crowley, Cathal Murphy (Matthew Murray 104), Hassan Mpongo, Ruairí Keating
Referee: Robert Harvey