2000–01 Irish Cup  The 2000–01 Irish Cup was the 121st edition of Northern Ireland's premier football knock-out cup competition. It concluded on 5 May 2001 with the final. Glentoran were the defending champions, winning their 18th Irish Cup last season after a 1–0 win over Portadown in the 2000 final. They successfully defended the trophy by beating arch rivals Linfield 1–0 after extra time. This was their 19th cup win, and their fourth in six years. The 2001 Final was the first time the Final was shown live on Television in Northern Ireland. Abbey Villa, Annagh United, Harland & Wolff Sports and Malachians all received byes into the second round. Ards Rangers, Ballymoney United, Banbridge Town, Comber Recreation, Drumaness Mills, Malachians and Rathfriland Rangers all received byes into the fifth round.