Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree says he didn't want to "read the headlines tomorrow that the holders had fallen at the first fence" after his side comfortably overcame Ards 3-0 to begin their cup defence.
After a fast start at Stangmore Park, Sean McAllister broke the deadlock after 15 minutes.
Junior and Tiernan Kelly then fired past Marc Matthews later in the half to give the home side breathing space.
"We are not going to give it [the Irish Cup] up without a fight," McAree told BBC Radio Ulster.
"We wanted to get over this round as we didn't want to wake up and read the headlines tomorrow that the holders have fallen at the first fence.
"We wanted to make sure we bypassed Ards, which was a tricky tie for us."
After a challenging start to the campaign, the Swifts are now on an impressive run and sit fifth in the Irish Premiership, losing just won of their last seven games.
They have further strengthened their squad in January by signing Shea Gordon and Corey Smith with McAree adding he believes this is the best side that Dungannon have ever had.
"I do," McAree replied when asked did he think this squad was Dungannon's strongest.
"When I look around the changing room and see the players left out of the squad and coming back into the squad, we have done well assembling a very strong squad with depth.
"The biggest thing about us is we are together, everyone is fighting for each other, and everyone is pulling in the same direction which I think is important."
The holders will now travel to face either Portadown or Annagh United in the sixth round.
The fifth round match between local rivals Portadown and Annagh was postponed due to a frozen pitch and is now due to be played on Tuesday, 13 January at Shamrock Park.
"It's a Mid-Ulster derby whatever way you look at it," he continued.
"Everyone wants a home draw, but all we wanted to do was make sure we were in the draw and we have done that.
"We look forward to seeing who we get and that tie when it comes around."
