The 2002–03 Irish Cup was the 123rd edition of the Irish Cup, the premier knockout football competition organised by the Irish Football Association (IFA) for clubs in Northern Ireland. The tournament began in August 2002 and concluded with the final in May 2003.
Format
The competition followed a single‑elimination format. Teams from the NIFL Premiership and lower divisions entered at various stages, with matches decided over 90 minutes. If tied after regulation, extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shoot‑out determined the winner.
Progression
A total of 32 clubs participated in the first round proper, after preliminary qualifying rounds involving non‑league sides. Winners advanced through the second round, quarter‑finals, and semi‑finals, which were all played as single matches.
Final
The final was held at Windsor Park in Belfast. Coleraine defeated Glentoran to claim the trophy. The match was decided after extra time, securing Coleraine’s sixth Irish Cup title.
Significance
The victory qualified Coleraine for the 2003–04 UEFA Cup, entering at the qualifying stage. The competition continued the tradition of the Irish Cup as the oldest national cup competition in Northern Irish football.
References
- Irish Football Association, “Irish Cup – Past Winners”.
- Match reports from contemporary Northern Irish newspapers (e.g., Belfast Telegraph, May 2003).