FAI Ford Cup holders Sligo Rovers have been paired with Limerick junior club Pike Rovers FC in the third round of Irish football’s blue riband competition.

The draw was made this evening on RTE’s MNS show by FAI President Paddy McCaul and Republic of Ireland amateur international team manager Gerry Smyth.

Bit O’Red boss Paul Cook admitted it was a trip into the unknown in terms of awareness of his side’s opponents.

“We’re delighted with the draw. To be drawn at home first is important. Pike Rovers is a new name to me,” said Cook.

“We’ll have to do a bit of research on them. These games are very important to clubs. We’ll have to do our homework and act in the utmost professional manner.”

The only all-Premier Division tie paired Dundalk with Galway United while league champions Shamrock Rovers were handed a home draw against First Division Athlone Town.

Derry City were drawn away to First Division Wexford Youths and while Candystripes fans will recall the 6-1 win Derry secured in the 2008 EA SPORTS Cup Final, manager Stephen Kenny has a more recent meeting between the sides on his mind.

“Wexford gave us a tough game there in the league. We drew 1-1 down there,” said Kenny.

“We beat them a couple of years ago in the EA SPORTS Cup Final but we’ve a different team now. The most recent game was a draw so it should be a good occasion.”

FAI FORD CUP THIRD ROUND DRAW: Salthill Devon v Sherrif YC; Drogheda United v Mervue United; Waterford United v New Ross Celtic; Cherry Orchard v UCD; Monaghan United v Everton; Wexford Youths v Derry City; Crumlin United v St Patrick’s Athletic; Greystones v Shelbourne; Sacred Heart v Limerick FC; Sligo Rovers v Pike Rovers; Bohemians v Douglas Hall; Dundalk v Galway United; Longford Town v Finn Harps; Midleton v Cork City; Shamrock Rovers v Athlone Town; Youghall United v Bray Wanderers.

Fixtures to be played weekend ending, Sunday, June  5, 2011.