Glentoran were the defending champions after winning their 11th Irish Cup last season, defeating archrivals Linfield 1–0 in the 1985 final replay, after the first game ended 1–1.

[1] They successfully defended the cup by beating Coleraine 2–1 in the final.

In doing so, they became the first club in 18 years to win the trophy in consecutive seasons.

[2] This season also saw second replays abolished in rounds, though they would still be used to decide the final if necessary.

Dungannon Swifts won the tie 6–5 on penalties when the replay ended 0–0 after extra time.