 Mike Dougherty, Nathan McConnell and Chris Morgan at the draw |
Holders Glentoran will begin their defence of the CIS League Cup with a home Group One game against Coleraine. Beaten finalists Linfeld will be away to Limavady on the opening day of domestic action in Group Three.
The two newly-promoted clubs have away matches with Armagh City heading North-West to play Institute and Glenavon making the trip to Newry City.
The winners of the CIS Cup will be guaranteed a place in the expanded Setanta Cup All-Ireland competition.
Last season's top three - Glentoran, Linfeld and Portadown - are already back in the Setanta and if any of them wins the CIS, then fourth-placed Dungannon will take the new place.
"Having a place in the Setanta up for grabs is a massive incentive for the CIS Cup," said Lisburn Distillery keeper Michael Dougherty.
"People say is it the same teams going through, but now there is a chance for someone else to get there."
Opening CIS League Cup fixtures - Saturday 13 August
Group One
Glentoran v Coleraine
Institute v Armagh City
Group Two
Portadown v Ballymena United
Newry City v Glenavon
Group Three
Limavady United v Linfield
Loughgall v Ards
Group Four
Dungannon Swifts v Lisburn Distillery
Cliftonville v Larne
MMIX
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