Sadly true, unfortunately.

Updated table after Monaghan's results expunged:

Sligo 13 28
St. Pat's 12 21
Sham Rvrs 12 20
Drogheda 13 20
Derry 13 18
Shelbourne13 18
Bohemians 13 15
Bray 13 15
Cork City 13 14
Dundalk 12 11
UCD 13 9

Shamrock Rovers cut the gap to five at the top, but not before some high drama at Tolka Park. Rovers took the lead early on, Shelbourne rapidly equalised, before going down to 10 men, but then the Reds surprisingly took the lead in the second half. Twigg's second levelled the scores, before Gary McCabe secured all three points for the Tallaght side. Elsewhere, with 19 senior clubs remaining, increasing speculation surrounds the possibility of a single 18-team division next season.

St Pat's came from behind to score an injury-time winner over Bohs, and are now only four behind Sligo. Cork and Derry played out a mid-table 2-2 draw, UCD move off the bottom by beating Dundalk 2-1, while Drogheda defeated Bray to move nearer the top three. In the First, both Longford and Limerick won, so the Midlanders remain one point clear of their Munster rivals, while Salthill finally secured their first win at the fourteenth attempt and halfway point of the season, defeating neighbours Mervue, but remain the worst senior team in the League.

The league title looks to be leaving Tallaght, as Rovers fell eight points adrift after a 4-0 thrashing in the derby with Bohemians, new keeper Oscar Janssen largely culpable for the defensive lapses, as has been the case since March. Sligo and St. Pat's both had routine wins, while Drogheda's over Derry leaves them only five off the pace, and Cork reignited their European challenge with victory over Bray. Game of the night however, came in the First Division, where Longford were 4-3 behind going into injury-time against Mervue United, before two strikes netted a most improbable victory.

derry were, once again, abysmal.



people were leaving after 50 mins. grim.

Looks like the Premier could be down to 10 clubs - Dundalk have been in financial difficulty all season, and their owner, Gerry Matthews has stated he won't apply for a new licence, so the Dundalk Supporters' Trust had declared their intention to mount a takeover bid. Now though, it's being reported that the club could go bust within 48 hours, ending an 86-year LoI tenure.

Dundalk's woes were hardly eased by a 4-0 hammering by Shelbourne - the Louth club now have two home games, but it's unclear whether that income has been pre-factored in. Derry defeated UCD, while Limerick's promotion prospects took a knock, as they lost to Waterford, and are still one point behind Longford, but now with a game extra played.

The Tallaght natives are getting restless, with calls for Stephen Kenny's head audible in their 1-1 draw with St. Pat's - a wish which may be granted if defeat to Ekranas follows. Cork were held by Bohemians, a result which does neither any favours, while Sligo were also below-par before snatching a draw with Bray.

League Cup Semis:

Shamrock Rovers v Limerick FC
Drogheda United v Sligo Rovers

Ties to be played 6th of August.

Dundalk has been officially put up for sale - only the Supporters Trust are interested, so it's a question of whether they can raise the cash.

Sigh - to think Delaney gets 400k to rule over the governance shambles that is League of Ireland



The good news is that the demise of the Celtic Tiger will save some football grounds

After some mediocre post-break performances, Sligo finally won again, defeating Derry through goals from Quigley and Cawley. Managerless Dundalk shocked Shamrock Rovers by taking an early lead, but the scores are now level. Limerick went top of the First Division, comfortably leading Mervue United, while previous leaders Longford drew away to Wexford.

First Division Table:

Limerick 17 39 +22
Longford 17 39 +11
Waterford 17 35
Athlone 17 27
Wexford 17 21
FinnHarps 17 19
Mervue U 17 8
Salthill 17 7

Drogheda defeat St. Pat's to go second, and are now six points behind Sligo. Bohemians get the better of UCD, who remain rooted to the foot of the table.

After failing to score for most of the season, Mark Quigley has now hit three in two games, his brace helping Sligo come back from 0-2 down to Cork to secure a 2-2 draw. Both Pats and Rovers drew earlier, while Drogheda secure a dramatic injury-time victory over Shelbourne.

Premier:
Sligo Rovers 17 36
Drogheda U 17 32
St. Pat's 17 28
Shamrock R 17 26

First:
Limerick 18 42
Longford 18 39
Waterford 18 38

eddie mccallion supposedly leaving derry city for glenavon.


bizarre.

and tonight was mccallion's last game for derry city. came on with a few minutes remaining in our 1-0 home defeat to shamrock rovers. 4th home defeat in a row for derry.

other results tonight:

bohemians 2-1 dundalk
cork city 0-0 shelbourne
drogheda united 1-0 ucd

Yeah, Drogheda are only one point off Sligo now, which, considering they were widely tipped for the drop, is a testament to the management of Mick Cook. Sligo suffered a hammer-blow as Danny North was ruled out for six months with his cruciate, and some very poor attendances of just over 1,000 at Dalymount and the Brandywell, while after a festival of football this week, Cork predictably had to settle for a scoreless draw against Shelbourne in front of 2,689. Limerick and Longford pullled clear in the First as Waterford lost ground against Finn Harps, while Mervue's win in Wexford saw them move seven clear of Salthill at the bottom.

Limerick warmed up for tomorrow's friendly with Man City (live on ESPN) by drawing with Longford to stay top of the First Division. Shamrock Rovers finally won a league game against UCD, but remain third, Cork drew with Dundalk, as did Bohs with Bray, but the top two square off tonight as Sligo face Drogheda.

Sligo took a major step towards ending their 35-year title drought by thumping second-placed Drogheda 4-1. Pat's haven't played the last two weeks to facilitate their European campaign.

Sligo Rovers 18 39
Drogheda Utd 19 35
Shamrock Rvr 19 32
St. Pat's A 17 29

Drogheda qualified for the League Cup Final by getting revenge on Sligo, 2-1, while Shamrock Rovers will be their opponents, the final whistle just going on their 4-1 victory. Worrying reports emerging that a banana was thrown at Gael Clichy last night at Thomond Park, but it appears just one isolated fan was culpable.