Crusaders were the defending champions, after they defeated Derry City 5–4 on penalties in the 2012 final, when the match ended 2–2 after extra time.

Shamrock Rovers were the eventual winners for the second time overall, following a comfortable 7–1 win over Drogheda United in the final.

This season's competition was notable for the fact that all four semi-finalists represented the Republic of Ireland.

It was also the sixth time in the eight competitions played thus far that the winner had been a League of Ireland club.

Four League of Ireland and four IFA Premiership clubs played each other in the first round over two games with the winners qualifying for the quarter-finals.