Clubs denoted with * received a bye into Second round All teams were divided into four pools based on geographical location.
Ties were scheduled to begin on 5 March 2018 but were subsequently postponed due to the aftermath of extreme weather from a cold wave known as the Beast from the East combined with Storm Emma.
41' O'Connor 51' Toland The draw for the Second round took place on 22 March 2018 and was made on a regional pool basis.
Four second round fixtures were postponed due to heavy rainfall causing unplayable pitches.
Home advantage was decided by a coin toss, which Derry City won.