[1] Linfield were the defending champions, winning their 36th Irish Cup last season after a 2–1 win over Portadown in the 2002 final.

This season Linfield reached the quarter-finals, but went out to Omagh Town.

Coleraine were the eventual winners, in what was their first appearance in the final in 17 years.

A 1–0 victory over the Glens, who were appearing in the final for the fifth time in eight years, was enough to seal Coleraine's first Irish Cup win in 26 years.

[2][3] Larne received a bye into the sixth round.