Glenavon were the defending champions, after they lifted the cup for the seventh time by defeating Linfield 2–0 in the 2016 final.

Extra time was utilised to decide the victor in any games that remained tied after 90 minutes, with a penalty shootout following if required.

Due to there being an uneven number of clubs left on account of Maiden City's withdrawal, in the draw Dollingstown received a bye to the third round.

[4] The 4 winners of the quarter-finals entered the semi-finals with the ties played on 1 April 2017 with Linfield and Coleraine advancing to contest the 2017 final.

Billy McAvoy had been the last player to achieve the feat, having done so for Ards in their 4–2 win over Distillery in the 1969 final replay.