The 2014 FAI Senior Challenge Cup, also known as the 2014 FAI Ford Senior Cup, was the 94th season of the national football competition of the Republic of Ireland. The winners of the competition earned a spot in the first qualifying round of the 2015âÂÂ16 UEFA Europa League.
A total of 40 teams competed in the 2014 competition, which commenced in March 2014. The final took place on 2 November 2014 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The teams entering from the 2014 League of Ireland Premier Division and First Division received byes into the second round stage. Four non-league clubs also received byes to the second round. The remaining 12 teams entered at the first round stage. These non-league teams are composed of the sixteen clubs, which reached the fourth round of the 2013âÂÂ14 FAI Intermediate Cup and the semi-finalists of the FAI Junior Cup in 2013âÂÂ14.
The first round draw was performed by FAI President Paddy McCaul and former St PatrickâÂÂs Athletic midfielder Paul Osam.
The first round featured seven ties. The seven winners, plus the six clubs who received byes, joined the nineteen League of Ireland clubs in the draw for the second round.
Byes: Ballynanty Rovers, St MochtaâÂÂs, Collinstown, Mayfield United, Sheriff YC, Cockhill Celtic.