1 - Dundalk on the verge of retaining the Premier Division title
Dundalk are now within touching distance of ensuring that the Premier Division title will return to Oriel Park this season, after a 3-1 win at bottom of the table Limerick on Saturday evening moved them 13 points clear of second-placed Cork City with only four games remaining.
For much of the game at the Markets Field, it looked like an upset was on the cards, as Des Clarke put Limerick into a second minute lead that they held until 15 minutes from time.
But inevitably, Dundalk's leading scorer Richie Towell had a say in the final outcome, first firing home after being set up by Ciaran Kilduff and then four minutes later adding a second with a shot that took a deflection and looped over the head of the Limerick keeper Freddy Hall.
Kilduff then wrapped up victory with Dundalk's third goal in the space of six minutes, after he broke free and slipped the ball under the advancing keeper after being put through by Daryl Horgan.
2 - Relegation battle hotting up
Just six points separate the bottom six clubs in the Premier Division, with Limerick remaining rooted to the bottom after their defeat to Dundalk.
Galway United now occupy the relegation play-off spot after a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium, which was previously occupied by Sligo Rovers, who boosted their survival hopes with a 3-2 home win over Bray Wanderers.
Drogheda United's 2-2 home draw with Bohemians and Longford Town's 3-0 home defeat to St. Patrick's Athletic means they remain in relegation trouble.
3 - Leesiders misfire but Candystripes keep fighting
Cork City and Derry City fought out a goalless draw at Turner's Cross, in a game that never sparked into life despite chances being created at both ends.
Derry's caretaker manager Paul Hegarty was the much happier manager afterwards, praising his players for their attitude and the quality of football they played in collecting a precious point in their relegation battle, which moves them six points clear of the automatic relegation spot.
For Cork, it was a disappointing result that handed a further boost to Dundalk's title hopes, and while the runners-up spot and a European place is all but certain, next week's FAI Cup semi-final at Bray is now a season defining game for John Caulfield's men.
4 - European chase continues for Hoops and Pats
Shamrock Rovers moved another step closer to European football in 2016, with a comfortable 2-0 win over Galway United at Tallaght Stadium keeping them in third place.
The Hoops were never in trouble once a Gavin Brennan header put them ahead in first half stoppage-time, and Danny North sealed victory with a second goal in the 66th minute.
But St. Patrick's Athletic kept up the pressure on their Dublin rivals, and are five points behind with a game in hand after their 3-0 win at Longford, with Christy Fagan, James Chambers and Aaron Greene on target for Liam Buckley's side.
5 - Youths are going up
Wexford Youths will sample top flight football for the first time after clinching the First Division title with a 3-0 win over Athlone Town in front of an expectant crowd at Ferrycarrig Park.
Shane Keegan's men went into the game in the knowledge that a win would secure their first ever promotion, and extinguish the remaining hopes of nearest challengers Finn Harps, who were hosting UCD in Ballybofey.
It was goalless in both games at half time, but just as news emerged that Harps had gone into a 2-0 lead, Danny Furlong settled home nerves with his 28th goal of the season, setting a new club and league record for most goals in a season in Division One.
The celebrations began in earnest when Eric Molloy's low shot put Youths two up with seven minutes remaining, and Aiden Keenan wrapped up a memorable night with a third from close range in the final minute.
Youths can now look forward to facing the big guns of Irish football next year, and for the first time in living memory, will be the first side to wear pink shirts in the Premier Division.
Results:
Premier Division: Cork City 0 Derry City 0, Drogheda United 2 Bohemians 2, Limerick 1 Dundalk 3, Longford Town 0 St. Patrick's Athletic 3, Shamrock Rovers 2 Galway United 0, Sligo Rovers 3 Bray Wanderers 2.
Division One: Cabinteely 1 Cobh Ramblers 0, Finn Harps 3 UCD 0, Shelbourne 3 Waterford United 0, Wexford Youths 3 Athlone Town 0.
