It officially kicked off in late May, when twenty clubs from the junior and intermediate leagues battled it out for the chance to face League of Ireland opposition in the second round.
The ten winners of those ties were joined in the second round by the 22 eircom League of Ireland clubs.
[1] Fixtures played weekend May 23 Belgrove 0-1 Leeds Carrick United 3-2 Bluebell United Cherry Orchard 1-2 Glebe North Drumcondra A.F.C.
1-1 Letterkenny Rovers Fairview Rangers 0-2 Wayside Celtic Freebooters 3-3 Portmarnock Moyle Park College 1-1 Quay Celtic Ringmahon Rangers 3-0 CYM Terenure Rockmount 2-2 College Corinthians Tullamore 1-1 Bangor Celtic Bangor Celtic 0-1 Tullamore College Corinthians 2-3 Rockmount Letterkenny Rovers 0-2 Drumcondra A.F.C.
Portmarnock w/o Freebooters Quay Celtic 2-1 Moyle Park College Matches played on the weekend of Sunday, 25 July 2004.