On five occasions the same two clubs have reached the final in consecutive years: in 1885 and 1886, Distillery and Alexander; in 1913 and 1914, Glentoran and Linfield; in 1930 and 1931, Ballymena United and Linfield; Coleraine and Glentoran in 2003 and 2004; and in 2011 and 2012 Linfield and Crusaders.
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The trophy was first awarded to Moyola Park (from Castledawson in County Londonderry) when they beat Cliftonville (from Belfast) 1–0 in the final at Cliftonville Cricket Ground, Belfast on 9 April 1881.
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The last time a club from outside Belfast won the cup was in 2005, when Portadown beat Larne 5–1 to win the cup for the third time.
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In the early years, Army regiments stationed in Ireland entered teams such as King's Own Rifles (Cork), three of which reached the final: the Gordon Highlanders in 1890, the Black Watch (Limerick) in 1892 and the Sherwood Foresters (Curragh, County Kildare) in 1897.
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Over the years, 19 replays have been required, the first in 1890 after Cliftonville and the Gordon Highlanders drew 2–2.
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During this time the Whites claimed three League titles, two Irish Cups, one City Cup, three County Antrim Shields and one Belfast Charity Cup.
However his greatest success was appearing in goal in Bohemians' 1908 Irish Cup winning team when they defeated Shelbourne after a replay.
Alan moved to Glentoran in 1999 and had an excellent first season, winning the league Irish Cup and Irish League Cup.