Republic of Ireland round-up: Title in the balance

Shelbourne FC's National League season ended today when they were beaten 4-0 by Bohemian FC and manager Dermot Keely resigned.

Chief executive comments
"I'm hearing that he has in effect resigned," said Shelbourne chief executive Ollie Byrne. "Regretfully we would have to accept his resignation. I would like to thank Dermot for his honesty and
integrity during his time with us, he has delivered to the club something we had never achieved in our history, a double."

St Patrick's wait
Eighty miles away in Longford, the fans of St Patrick's Athletic FC were hailing their team as champions after their 1-1 draw with Longford Town FC, but according to the official table, Shelbourne have finished on top due to a 15-point penalty imposed on St Patrick's.

Keely resignation
St Patrick's will appeal the deduction to the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) next week, and although Shelbourne are temporary champions, Keely resigned minutes after the game.

Dundalk relegated
FAI Cup finalists Dundalk FC were automatically relegated despite a 3-0 away win against Monaghan United FC, as Longford Town FC earned the point they needed at home to St Patrick's to stay ahead of Dundalk.

Longford face play-off
Longford now play Finn Harps FC, the runners-up in the first division, in a two-legged play-off, while Drogheda United FC are promoted automatically as champions.

Other matches
In the day's other action, Shamrock Rovers FC won 3-0 at home against Galway United FC, Derry City FC earned a 1-0 home win over Cork City FC, while University College Dublin FC and Bray Wanderers AFC played out a goalless draw.