Cork City have reclaimed their position at the top of the Premier Division as they defeated Derry City 4-2 in Turner’s Cross on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon. This was their game in hand over Dundalk whom they now lead by a point. Cork opened up a two-goal lead thanks to a brace from Karl Sheppard. Derry got back to two apiece with Ronan Curtis and Ronan Hale their scorers. However, two goals in the last minutes from first Kieran Sadlier and then Graham Cummins saw Cork claim the points.
There were four games played in the First Division on Monday and second place side Drogheda United missed out on the chance to go level on points with UCD as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Shelbourne in Tolka Park. Dayle Rooney gave Shels the lead with Sean Brennan rescuing a point for Drogheda as he scored in the 91st minute. Shels finished with ten as Alan Byrne was sent off with about ten minutes to go. Finn Harps were beaten 4-2 at home by Longford Town who seem to be hitting form. Paddy McCourt and Mikey Place scored for Harps with Dylan McGlade getting two for Longford and Aodh Dervin and Sam Verdon getting one apiece. Cabinteely were 4-0 winners over Athlone Town in Stradbrook. Luke Clucas with two and Kevin Knight and Kieran ‘Marty’ Waters with one each. The other game in the division was a goalless draw between Cobh Ramblers and Galway United in St. Colman’s Park.
Plenty of news off the pitch as well and in positive publicity, Shamrock Rovers striker Graham Burke received his second cap for Ireland as he started the friendly against America which was played in the Aviva on Saturday. He also scored the first in the 2-1 win and with two caps to his name now it came as little surprise to find that he is linked with a move back to England when the transfer window opens. Preston North End are the early favourites to secure his signature. That goal for Burke was the first in 40 years by a player from the League of Ireland. In not so good news there were rumours over the weekend that Limerick’s players hadn’t been paid for May and that as such they were all free to leave and join other clubs. This was clarified somewhat as sources close to the club revealed that money has been lodged to players accounts but the club will be looking to offer contract terminations to 7-8 of their highest earners and will be seeking voluntary wage cuts as they look to bring their budget in line. A very serious situation and challenge for those involved with football in the county as they look to now secure the status of the club for not only this season but for the long-term as well.
