The long road to the National Football Stadium begins this weekend with over 40 Clearer Water Irish Cup first round ties to savour.
It's been less than 100 days since a Ronan Hale inspired Cliftonville defeated Linfield to lift the trophy for the first time in 45 years, and the race to discover who'll triumph at the end of this season kicks off on Saturday afternoon.
The first ever winners back in 1881, Moyola Park, make their return to Mill Meadow following 18 months of redevelopment as Lower Maze travel to Castledawson to take on Kenny Shiels' side.
Lisburn Distillery, another club with a rich cup heritage, face a tough task away to St. James' Swifts in a repeat of the same tie at the same stage last season which the Whites won 4-2 and, along with Moyola, are one of 12 NIFL Premier Intermediate League sides in action.
Two of them go head-to-head when Tobermore United take on Dergview, relegated from the Championship last season, at Fortwilliam Park.
Knockbreda, also back in the intermediate ranks, host Craigavon City while there'll be much interest in events at Milltown as Warrenpoint Town host Newry-based Windmill Stars.
It'll also be a huge occasion for both Heights and FC Mindwell.
After finishing second in the C&DL Premier last season, the Coleraine-based Heights have stepped up to the intermediate ranks and will kick this new chapter in their history with a home tie in their Irish Cup debut. Now plying their trade in the Ballymena & District Premier League, they entertain Mid-Ulster's Rectory Rangers at Anderson Park.
FC Mindwell, formed during lockdown, are also making a similar move.
The Mid Ulster Intermediate B side, already making an impressive start to the season with victories over Ambassadors and Hanover, will travel to the Ulidia Playing Fields to take on Rosario YC.
Other ties of note see BPFL Intermediate champions Strabane Athletic - who lost out on a place in the NIFL ranks following an end of season play-off with Oxford Sunnyside - travelling to face Rathfriland Rangers while Steel & Sons Cup holders Comber Rec. are away to Larne Tech. OB.
Please note, it is encouraged that a minute of applause in memory of local referee Peter McGrath, who passed away recently, is held before kick-off at all games.
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