Cork City got the draw they might have picked themselves in the FAI Cup semi-finals with a home tie against Derry City. The other semi-final will see struggling Shamrock Rovers meet unbeaten arch-rivals Bohemians at Tolka Park on October 6th.

Cork have also been given the boost of playing the game on Friday night, October 4th, to avoid a clash with the Cork senior Gaelic football final on the Sunday.

"We would have taken anybody as long as it was in Cork," said Cork captain Gareth Cronin. "I'm sure Derry won't relish coming to Cork but it's a semi-final and anything can happen.

"It was the one draw we didn't want, especially for our fans," said Derry manager Kevin Mahon. "All three teams have beaten us in the league so no matter who we got it was going to be tough, particularly away."

Shamrock Rovers manager Liam Buckley will be glad of the axiom that suggests league form goes out the window in the cup.

"It will be tough," he said. "Bohs are a very difficult side to play against in Dalymount so we are happy to have got them at Tolka. We will take the match on its merits. One thing's for sure, the lads won't need any motivation for this one."

Bohemians captain Kevin Hunt knows it could have been worse with a trip to either Cork or Derry.

"It's going to be a great game for the fans who will be delighted," he said. "The players are already looking forward to it as well. It's the cup and anything can happen."

FAI CUP - semi-final draw: Cork City v Derry City (October 4th); Shamrock Rovers v Bohemians (October 6th).