1996–97 Irish League Cup

The 1996–97 Irish League Cup (known as the Wilkinson Sword League Cup for sponsorship reasons) was the 11th edition of the Irish League Cup, Northern Ireland's secondary football knock-out cup competition. It concluded on 15 October 1996 with the final.

Portadown were the defending champions after their first League Cup win last season; a 2–1 victory over Crusaders in the previous final. This season they went out in the semi-finals to Glentoran. Crusaders were victorious in the final this time, lifting the cup for the first time with a 1–0 victory over Glentoran.

First round

 * }

Second round

 * }

Quarter-finals

 * }

Semi-finals

 * }