[3] The club entered the Scottish Cup for the first time in 1875–76, withdrawing rather than playing a second round replay at Mauchline.

The club's best run came in its first incarnation came in 1879–80, reaching the fifth round (last 13), having twice taken advantage of the rule permitting both teams to proceed if the original tie and replay both ended in draws; at the fifth round stage, the club lost to the quasi-professional Dumbarton F.C.

The same season, the club reached the final of the Ayrshire Cup, but lost 1–0 to Beith after the "roughest game ever played".

The competition proved too hot for Kilbirnie, which finished last, and re-joined the Ayrshire League for 1894–95.

The club duly finished bottom of the Ayrshire League and could not fulfil one of its fixtures.

[12] The club's colours were orange and black hooped jerseys,[13] with white knickers.